An outstanding example of female leadership and innovation at Merete GmbH is Dr. Daniela Wagner, the head of our Research & Development department. For over a decade, Dr. Wagner has been an integral part of our team, significantly contributing to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical technology research.
Dr. Daniela Wagner is currently leading her team in transitioning the products from the old Medical Device Directive MDD to the new EU Medical Device Regulation MDR and, despite this increased workload, is committed to advancing new and further developments. The heightened requirements are undoubtedly challenging, but with the team’s versatility and dedication, we are confident that we can meet these challenges.
Dr. Wagner advocates for the promotion of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathamatics) professions and strengthens gender equality and the culture of diversity in our company.
We asked Dr. Wagner what it’s like to work as a woman in science and technology and how Merete GmbH supports women’s careers.
What role do women play in research and development at Merete GmbH, and how has this role changed in recent years?
In research and development at Merete GmbH, we have always placed great value on a balanced mix of women and men. Our selection process for candidates and the promotion of our employees are completely gender-neutral. We greatly appreciate this balanced composition, as we are firmly convinced that diversity - not only in terms of gender - creates a positive working atmosphere and promotes innovative ideas in every respect. Our experience shows that mixed teams lead to more creative solutions and a more dynamic work environment, which ultimately benefits everyone in our company. We are proud of this diversity and see it as an essential factor for our success and our innovative strength.
How does Merete GmbH Berlin promote the career development of women, especially in technical and leadership positions?
We place great importance on the career development of all our employees. Our aim is to dismantle barriers and create a culture where talents are recognized and promoted regardless of gender. In fact, a natural mix of female and male employees has emerged in recent years. Willingness to perform and competence are independent of gender. This is evident at Merete across all departments, including research and development.
What challenges do you see on the path to complete gender equality in science and technology, and how does Merete GmbH address them?
One of the most important strategies to promote a balanced mix of men and women in science and technology and to eliminate unconscious biases early on is the targeted support of young talents. We at Merete GmbH are convinced that inspiring and motivating young people, especially girls, for careers in science and technology should start at an early age. Through early support, we can not only spark interest and enthusiasm but also work towards the long-term elimination of gender stereotypes.
Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome interns to our company, and this experience has once again confirmed how valuable it is to directly involve young people in the day-to-day activities of research and development. Girls, in particular, showed great interest and were enthusiastic about the opportunity to gain practical experience in technical professions. These internships provide not only insights into our field of work but also enable the young people to get a realistic view of the career opportunities in science and technology.
Through such programs, we can show young people, especially girls, that technical professions are exciting, diverse, and fulfilling. It's about creating an environment where they can freely develop, experiment, and fully realize their potential, without being limited by traditional gender roles or prejudices. Our goal is to raise awareness and demonstrate that everyone, regardless of gender, can make a valuable contribution to science and technology.
In the field of joint replacement, where orthopedic surgery is traditionally male-dominated, what specific hurdles do female surgeons face, and how can manufacturers like Merete GmbH contribute to overcoming these challenges?
In the field of arthroplasty, female surgeons face particular challenges, as this sector is predominantly dominated by male orthopedic surgeons. One of the significant hurdles is the physically demanding nature of the surgical procedures, which is often exacerbated by instruments that were primarily designed with male users in mind. Many surgical tools are crafted for men's hands, which can pose an additional challenge for female surgeons who often have smaller hands.
The medical technology industry can play a crucial role by recognizing and addressing this discrepancy. One approach is to develop instruments that are ergonomically tailored to a wider range of hand sizes and strengths, thereby meeting the needs of all surgeons, both female and male. By improving the user-friendliness of our products and instruments, we can not only optimize the working conditions for female surgeons but also enhance the safety and precision during surgeries.
Ultimately, awareness of this issue must be raised, and we need to proactively develop solutions that promote a more inclusive and equitable working environment in arthroplasty. This would not only improve the working conditions for female surgeons but also contribute to the overall quality and safety of surgical care.
What message would you like to send to women worldwide who aspire to a career in science and technology on International Women's Day?
My advice to women worldwide is to courageously pursue their dreams and not to be constrained by traditional gender roles. The world of science and technology offers endless opportunities to innovate and make a positive impact. Believe in yourselves, utilize the available resources and networks, and be role models for the next generation of female scientists and engineers.