Münster Expertise in Demand at Brazilian Scientific Conference
When an expected 20,000 participants gather in mid-July for the 77th annual conference of the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC), a voice from Münster will also be there: Dr. Anne Vortkamp, member of the scouting team of the REACH - EUREGIO Start-up Center at the University of Münster and Münster University of Applied Sciences and founder of the start-up CARAPAX biotechnologies, was nominated by the Brazil Center of the University of Münster and selected as one of two speakers from Germany for the traditional round table of the German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH) São Paulo.
The panel discussion entitled “Women in Science and Innovation: Fostering Entrepreneurship in Universities” will take place on July 15, 2025 at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Recife. The focus will be on issues relating to equal opportunities, science-based start-ups and the role of universities in promoting entrepreneurial skills - especially for women.
"I am delighted to be joining colleagues from Brazil and Germany to discuss ways in which we can empower more women at the interface of science and entrepreneurship - and how universities can create framework conditions that encourage entrepreneurial thinking in research,” said Vortkamp ahead of the trip.
With the REACH TO EMPOWER program, REACH places a special focus on promoting diversity in the start-up scene. The programme creates spaces in which people can strengthen and develop each other: a safe space for marginalized groups, especially women, and a brave space for everyone who wants to inform themselves, exchange ideas and grow together as equals.
With formats such as the Women's Empowerment Breakfast or the Women's Empowerment Convention, REACH TO EMPOWER imparts practical knowledge and promotes constructive dialog - with the aim of making the start-up world more inclusive, accessible and diverse. REACH also oversees the EXIST Women program at the University of Münster and Münster University of Applied Sciences, which provides targeted support to women interested in founding a company in the early stages of developing their ideas.
“Participating in the SBPC offers an excellent opportunity to make our work with REACH TO EMPOWER visible internationally,” says Vortkamp. “I am looking forward to the dialogue with Brazilian colleagues, who will share their experiences and perspectives.”