Susanne Plaumann M. A. | Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin

As the central representative for women's affairs at Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Brain City Berlin Ambassador Susanne Plaumann is committed to equality for women, at all levels of the university.

Susanne Plaumann is a born-and-bred Berliner. "I carry my heart on my tongue and can integrate a lot of my enthusiasm and passion, but also my personal values into my job here," she says. Susanne Plaumann has been a women's representative in Berlin for 28 years, including 4 years as Central Women's Representative of the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin. For 2 years she has also been Deputy Speaker of the State Conference of Women's Representatives at Berlin universities.

It’s not that easy to get to the heart of her work as she has so many diverse responsibilities. "I am committed to the equality of women at all levels of the university. I act as a strategic partner for the university leadership and the central committees," she explains, adding: "I keep both my feet firmly rooted in reality and advise women working and studying at the university as well as potential female applicants, but also stakeholders who want to work for equality and gender justice at the university and the research system."

It's important for Susanne Plaumann to keep an ear to the ground and "hear wherever there are pinch points and in everyday life to show how my university can be an even better place for women." Her goal is clearly defined: "Women currently make up 32% of our students and 22% of our professors. I'd like to see that get closer to 50%." 

Her hometown of Berlin also offers Susanne Plaumann ideal conditions as a research location: "There are so many ideas and opportunities here, so many people doing research. It's just a short ride by bus, underground, or even bicycle to the next research institution! Berlin is diverse and, when we work together, almost everything seems possible to me. If I have an idea, I can quickly put it into action with others." And another aspect speaks for her hometown, according to Susanne Plaumann: "For me, Berlin is also a city of women and I can't imagine living anywhere else for the long term."