Equality is a strategic mission
On International Women's Day, the two new managing directors of Karl Landsteiner University – Rector Andrea Olschewski and Prorector Sabine Siegl-Amerer – discuss leadership, governance and the importance of equality for Krems as a location.
Rector, what significance does International Women's Day have for Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences?
Andrea Olschewski: For us, it is an opportunity to strategically assess our position. Excellence in medicine and health sciences can only be achieved if we consistently focus on the best talent. If we want to remain internationally competitive, performance and potential must be equally visible – regardless of gender.
How do you see this responsibility in concrete terms?
Olschewski: As a university, we bear responsibility for the future viability of our location. We create clear performance standards, transparent career paths and framework conditions that enable scientific excellence. If you want to ensure quality, you cannot afford to forego the potential of highly educated women. Equality is therefore not a symbolic issue, but part of our strategic orientation.
Prorector, how should the issue of equality be structurally anchored in companies?
Sabine Siegl-Amerer: Equality is determined by the governance of an institution. Clear decision-making processes and transparent career paths are crucial. Organisational development means continuously reflecting on structures and breaking down barriers.
What role does this play for Krems as a location?
Siegl-Amerer: A very central one. Competitiveness arises where competence counts and different perspectives are incorporated into strategic decisions. Diverse teams are more innovative and sustainable. Equality is therefore not an additional project, but the basis for quality, international connectivity and the future of our location as a centre of education and science.
Rector, how is equality strategically anchored at the Karl Landsteiner University?
Olschewski: Equality is an integral part of our development planning and quality management. At the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, it is clearly anchored institutionally, both in the Commission for Equality and the Advancement of Women and in the Contact Point for Equal Treatment Issues.
Our task is to define measurable goals, systematically evaluate measures and anchor diversity in our guidelines in a binding manner. For a modern, internationally oriented university, equality is not an additional topic, but a steering instrument, also with regard to accreditations, third-party funding and international cooperation.
What specific measures are you taking to promote female careers?
Olschewski: Transparent and quality-assured appointment procedures are a key component. In addition, we specifically promote female scientists through mentoring programmes, leadership formats and structured development of young talent. It is crucial for us to identify potential at an early stage, provide systematic support and open up sustainable career prospects.
Prorector, what role does organisational culture play in this context?
Siegl-Amerer: A crucial one. In addition to clear processes, a culture of openness and appreciation is needed. This includes transparent career paths, equal pay principles, flexible working models and a genuine work-life balance. Governance also means accountability – we make progress measurable. We can proudly say that equality is practised at Karl Landsteiner University: according to our latest personnel controlling report, 66 per cent of the workforce are women, and more than half of all managers are female.
How is diversity reflected in research and teaching?
Olschewski: In medicine and health sciences in general, diversity is a quality factor. Different perspectives improve research results and lead to patient-oriented healthcare. This is one of the reasons why we also integrate gender and diversity aspects into our curricula.
Finally, what message would you like to send to Krems on International Women's Day?
Siegl-Amerer: That equality is not a marginal issue, but a way of securing the future. A university that structurally anchors diversity strengthens innovation, resilience and international competitiveness. This benefits not only our institution, but every single person at Karl Landsteiner University and the location as a whole.
