The new Women in Chemistry initiative aims to connect doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in chemistry, strengthen professional exchange, and create a supportive community. The first event took place at the Central Institute for Catalysis Research (CRC), and the second at the Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA).
The next event will take place on February 25, 2026, again at the CPA.
Dr. Robert Reich from NAT asked the founder and organizer of the event, Dr. Sara Gutkin, a few questions.

Dr. Sara Gutkin completed her MSc and PhD in Organic Chemistry at Tel Aviv University, where she published 15 peer-reviewed scientific papers, collectively cited more than 700 times (h-index = 10, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2557-5833). She is currently a Humboldt Research Fellow in the group of Prof. Stephan A. Sieber at the Technical University of Munich, where her work focuses on designing light-responsive small molecules that can target previously undruggable proteins, with the potential to serve as novel antibiotics. Beyond her research, Dr. Gutkin is the founder of the “Women in Chemistry Networking” initiative, dedicated to empowering and connecting women scientists in academia and industry. Passionate about advancing science and fostering collaboration, she combines her enthusiasm for discovery with her love for hiking, traveling, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Dear Sara, thank you very much for taking the time for this short interview.

NAT: Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Sara Gutkin: My name is Sara, and I am a first-year postdoctoral researcher at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. My background is in organic chemistry, and during my postdoctoral research, I work in chemical biology, where I am developing my own research idea in the research group of Prof. Stephan Sieber.

NAT: Why did you launch the “Women in Chemistry” initiative?
Sara Gutkin: During my PhD, I was a very good researcher, yet I often felt insecure – as if I were not good enough for a postdoctoral position or an academic career. In my third year, a new initiative called the “Women in Chemistry Forum” was founded at my former university. I attended the first meeting and was amazed to hear incredibly talented and successful women describe the same doubts I had. I continued attending the meetings and was able to build a network of doctoral researchers. This gave me confidence, solidarity, and the courage to pursue goals I had previously considered unattainable – ultimately, I successfully applied for a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship.
When I arrived at TUM, one of Europe’s leading universities in STEM, I was surprised not to find an initiative for women in this field. I wanted to offer my colleagues the same empowering experience I had, and therefore founded the “Women in Chemistry Network” here at TUM.

What goals are you pursuing with this initiative?
Sara Gutkin: First and foremost, we aim to build a strong network of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers – a safe space where we can support one another, learn from each other, and connect in meaningful ways. Secondly, we want to increase the visibility of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers by inviting inspiring speakers from academia, senior leaders from industry, as well as mentors. Their stories are meant to motivate and encourage us to reach our full potential.
I hope that this initiative will continue to grow and develop into something even bigger. In my vision, it will become a network connecting all STEM disciplines and offering workshops, fellowships, and awards to specifically support women scientists.

What is your conclusion after the first two events?
Sara Gutkin: There is clearly a strong need for this initiative – with more than 20 participants at each event. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are very interested in networking, sharing experiences, and building a supportive community. Many told me that they had finally found a space to discuss both professional challenges and personal development.

What can we all do better to make life and work easier for women in science?
Sara Gutkin: Support initiatives like this! They not only make everyday life easier for women in science, but also improve science as a whole by creating spaces where ideas are shared, problems are solved together, and new collaborations are formed. That is what science is all about.

Dear Sara, thank you so much for your commitment and for taking the time for this interview.

Interested in joining the initiative? The next event will take place on February 25. Further information can be found here.

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