For Girls' Day 2021, the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light welcomed twenty girls who wanted to know how a day in the life of a scientist looks like. The idea: to introduce girls to professions that are typically male-dominated.

Due to the pandemic situation, this year’s Girls’Day could not take place on-site, but had to be shifted to virtual space. Unlike in previous years, this enabled not only schoolgirls from the region but also girls from all over Germany to participate.

After the live stream of the Girls'Day coordination office, female scientists from the MPI for the Science of Light gave an insight into the world of research. Doctoral student Alexandra Popp answered questions about studying physics, starting a career and the challenges of basic research. The schoolgirls were also able to find out what the everyday life of experimental researchers is like - Cornelia Holler and Jennifer Lühr took the girls virtually into the bio lab. Stephanie Möllmert and Birgit Stiller gave insights into their different research fields and personal careers. Numerous questions from the schoolgirls testified to their lively interest: They wanted to know more about the selection of the field of study, the research areas presented and the personal challenges of the female scientists in their careers. That shows a good exchange is possible in the digital format, too. Afterwards, the girls took part in an exciting online escape game, in which they could prove their scientific understanding, logical thinking and puzzle skills.

At the end of the day, the schoolgirls were very enthusiastic. “The Girls' Day has encouraged me to study physics after graduating from high school,” said a 16-year-old participant at the end of the day. The insight into the work processes in a research institution was particularly well received: “Now I can better imagine what everyday work is like when you are a scientist.”