Challenges for women in science – Perspective of a Head of Pharmacology ?

Today we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science* with an interview featuring our colleague, Dr. Sabrina Weisenburger, who started as trainee and is today Head of Pharmacology at the Schwabe Group.?

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Sabrina, a passionate scientist who has made remarkable strides in the natural sciences. From her early fascination with biology to her rapid rise to leadership at the Schwabe Group, Sabrina's story is one of determination and excellence. ? ?

Enjoy the read!?

Sabrina, could you start by sharing what initially captivated you about the natural sciences, particularly biology?????

From a young age, I was fascinated by the natural world and its intricacies. With its endless possibilities for discovery, biology captivated my imagination and fueled my passion for science. I consistently excelled in my field, driven by a deep curiosity and love for understanding living organisms.????

You started your career at Schwabe as a trainee and quickly rose to a leadership position. Can you tell us about your early days at Schwabe?????

Yes, I started as a trainee at Schwabe. After two years, I became a group leader and later the head of the Pharmacology department. What I found particularly remarkable during this time was that I was promoted even during my pregnancy.????

You had to assert yourself in a male-dominated field. How did you experience that???

Of course, there is sometimes a headwind from men in this field, but what surprised and shocked me personally was that there was also a lot from women. However, I didn't let that discourage me. But the fact that a day like today exists shows that women are still considered rare in scientific professions. We must work to make balance the norm and create the necessary conditions for representation. By the way, contrary to the industry average in Germany, the R&D department at Schwabe today is no longer dominated by men. Today, over 60% of leading scientists in research and development are female, which is a significant shift over the past ten years.? Speaking of which: The entire area of R&D has shifted towards greater representation by women in recent years. Today 70% of the colleagues in this area are female.

What is your department currently researching, and why is it so exciting for you???

We are currently investigating our plant extracts for new mechanisms of action using modern genomics and proteomics analysis approaches, which allows us to bioinformatically determine the effects of our plant extracts on genes and cells. I find it incredibly exciting to delve into the world of bioinformatics, especially when it comes to learning to understand the programming language behind it.???

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Your career path wasn't without its challenges, especially in terms of judgments based on your appearance. Can you share that significant moment from your PhD at the University Hospital in Heidelberg, you mentioned in our preliminary talk????

Certainly. At a urology conference in a hotel, an older urologist approached me and my female colleague during a coffee break, assuming I was responsible for cleaning the rooms. His embarrassment was palpable when he later saw me presenting on stage. It was a moment that reinforced my determination to break stereotypes and prove my capabilities.????

You have two children, aged 3 and 7. How do you manage to balance work and family life???

?Women in science are often at a disadvantage even without children, but with children the challenge is of course even greater. Without the support of my husband and my parents, who often look after the children in the afternoons, a career would be impossible. Childcare in Germany is deteriorating and there is often a lack of options after 2 pm. Shared parental leave - my husband was at home for 4 months with the first child and 6 months with the second - and the opportunity to work from home, especially for late afternoon appointments, help, but family support is crucial. It wouldn't work without them.??

How do you balance your professional and personal life??????

I use every free minute in my private life with my family. I don't mind having less time for myself because my job feels like a hobby. We spend a lot of time with our children on paddling trips and visits to natural history museums. Seeing my children excited about nature and science is something I really enjoy.?Otherwise, I find time for myself when the children are asleep. My astronomy hobby, pilates and voluntary work as a parents' council member fit well with this. But yes you just have to make compromises.?

What message do you hope to convey to your daughter and other young women in science?????

Science is indeed a way of life for me. I delight in discovering new biological mechanisms and the impact of plant extracts on organisms. I aim to demonstrate that, despite the challenges, it is possible to be a woman in science in a leadership position with young children. I want to be a role model for my daughter, showing that women can achieve anything and should remain independent.?????

Thank you for sharing your journey with us today.????

Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure to share my experiences and hopefully inspire others to pursue their passions in science.??

* The International Day of Women and Girls in Science emphasizes the full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. It is an opportunity to recognize the role of women and girls in the fields of science and technology and to strengthen their involvement.??

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