Equal Chances in Chemistry

Working Group for Equal Opportunities in Chemistry

The "Arbeitskreis Chancengleichheit in der Chemie" (AKCC) (Working Group for Equal Opportunities in Chemistry) was founded on 24 March 2000 as a provisional organisation of the GDCh in Frankfurt. The AKCC subsequently developed an organisational structure, built up contacts by active networking and acquired considerable experience through its extensive activities. The AKCC was awarded the status of a Division by the GDCh in September 2003.

As a result of social efforts in the field of education, school and professional education are now a matter of course for girls and young women. However, the structure of the working world and family are still determined by traditional roles and values. Despite equivalent qualifications, considerably fewer women occupy leading positions in industry, science and politics than men. If modern society is to make efficient use of its intellectual resources it has to mobilize its unused potential in order to secure and expand the performance of chemistry in industry and science, especially in times of demographic change. Society requires career plans that allow successful integration of work and family. The AKCC has set itself the goal of ensuring equal opportunities in the field of chemistry. This goal can only be achieved by the combined efforts of women and men.

Click here to download the AKCC brochure (registration form for joining the AKCC).

Aims and field of activity of the AKCC

• The AKCC as a multidisciplinary, professional organization
• Equal opportunity as an internal task
• Women in the professional world
• Compatibility of profession and family
• Support for young women

The new board of the AKCC started operations on 1 January 2009:

• Prof. Dr. Katharina Al-Shamery (Universität Oldenburg)
• Dr. Barbara Elvers (Hamburg)
• Dr. Monika Heisterkamp (Endress+Hauser Conducta Gerlingen)
• Dr. Petra Schultheiß-Reimann (Hofheim)
• Dr. Irene Schwier (Hamburg)

The boards term of office ends on 31 December 2010.