A unique conference for all students of underrepresented gender identities in mathematics, especially women, took place March 26-27 in Dresden, Germany. The program explored graduate programs and research opportunities both within and beyond academia. The two-day conference was located at the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) and at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG). Participants gained insight into mathematical research, academic careers, and industry pathways while connecting with a supportive network of faculty, researchers, and peers.

Bringing together over 50 participants from different universities and backgrounds, the conference explored what mathematical research can look like, how academic paths develop, and which possibilities a mathematics degree can open in industry and other fields. Panel discussions addressed questions such as “What is mathematics research like?” “What to do with a PhD in mathematics?” or “How to apply for a PhD in mathematics?” Networking and mentoring sessions completed the program.

The conference organizers came from different institutes and included Anita Behme, dean of studies of the Faculty of Mathematics at TU Dresden; Türkü Özlüm Çelik, research group leader at MPI-CBG and the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD); Heather Harrington, director at MPI-CBG and CSBD; Andreas Thom, chair of geometry at TU Dresden; Paula Truöl, postdoctoral fellow at the School of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Glasgow; and Oana Padurariu, researcher and outreach coordinator at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn.

"We were glad to contribute to the GROW initiative by helping to create a supportive space where students of underrepresented gender identities in mathematics could explore research and career paths, both within and beyond academia. It was wonderful to see the engagement of participants as they openly asked questions, discussed ideas, and shared experiences,” say Heather Harrington and Türkü Özlüm Çelik, reflecting on the conference.

This event was part of the GROW conference series, which takes place every year in different locations. Stay tuned for GROW 2027.