Eppendorf Makes Donation to Support Women Working in Science

Life science company Eppendorf has donated €20,000 (US$22,400) to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) to support the “Advancement of Women in Science” project, it was revealed in a Nov. 22, 2021 press release.

EMBL’s project is aimed at enabling women scientists to begin managerial careers in scientific fields. Eppendorf’s donation, which reinforces the corporate partnership between the company and EMBL, will allow 20 women postdocs to join the program for women scientists in managerial positions.

“To offset this disparity [between the genders in managerial positions in the scientific community], the EMBL took action in 2020 and initiated a program called ‘Leadership and Excellence for Aspiring Women Postdocs’ (LEAP) that includes a one-year mentoring and coaching program,” said Edith Heard, director general of EMBL, in the press release. “This generous donation from Eppendorf will enable 20 additional female postdocs to gain the qualifications they need for managerial careers. We hope that they go on to become group leaders, leading researchers and assistant professors in scientific fields.”

“Solidarity, tolerance, and diversity are the defining features of the cosmopolitan culture that Eppendorf fosters and the foundation of the company’s success,” added Eva van Pelt, Co-CEO of Eppendorf SE, in the press release. “The disparity between the number of men and women who hold managerial positions in the scientific community is a serious problem. Increasing the visibility of women in science is both a declared goal and an important concern at Eppendorf.”

Source: Eppendorf