Women in R&D 2026
February 24, 2026 – Adina Hotel Munich
A different perspective on the technology challenges of the future
The rapid transformation of industries continues: Efficiency pressures are rising, digital ecosystems are reshaping entire value chains, and the development of intelligent, safe, and sustainable products is becoming more complex than ever. In this dynamic environment R&D plays a central role – and so do the people who lead it.
Women in R&D 2026 – our interactive forum is dedicated to exploring the most pressing tech issues of our time through the lens of female leadership. It provides a unique platform for women in R&D to engage in critical discussions, share insights, and help shape the solutions that will define tomorrow’s world.
Save the date for Women in R&Don February 25, 2027 in Munich
Save the date for Women in R&Don February 25, 2027 in Munich
Our keynote lineup features industry leaders who will share insights, explore emerging trends, and inspire innovative thinking.
Sabine von der Recke
OHB Systems AG
Claudia Wagner
Uster Technologies AG
Our speakers
Our keynote lineup features industry leaders who will share insights, explore emerging trends, and inspire innovative thinking.
Dr. Alice Glättli
BASF SE
Katharina Schuler-Semmler
Airbus Defense and Space
Anja Stahl
Porsche AG
Dr. Kira Giesecke
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems
Célia Bartel
Hensoldt Sensors GmbH
Katharina Kreitz
Vectoflow GmbH
Katja Tiltscher
TRUMPF SE & Co. KG
Kathrin Anandasivam
TRUMPF SE & Co. KG
Dr.-Ing. Astrid Rota
Kurtz GmbH & Co. KG
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sabine Ardey
German Aerospace Center e.V.
Dr. Elena Mercep
AstraZeneca
Ramona Rist
AGCO GmbH
Our moderation
Sarah Yvonne Elßer
Our panels
Explore where the world of R&D is headed, including the emerging scenarios, key challenges, and opportunities. Our keynote will set the stage by diving into the specific impacts these global shifts will have on R&D, providing insights into how R&D can drive solutions in this evolving landscape.
Our panels will feature insightful discussions on key topics that are shaping the future of R&D:
Efficiency vs. Future-Readiness
Balancing efficiency with future-readiness is one of the toughest challenges in R&D. This panel explores where the tensions are most visible, how leading organizations navigate them, and what strategies can create the right equilibrium between today’s performance and tomorrow’s innovation. We are addressing the following questions:
- How can organizations stay efficient while building for what comes next?
- In which areas do tensions between efficiency and future-readiness become most visible in R&D?
- What strategies or frameworks help reconcile short-term performance with long-term innovation goals?
- What is the perfect equilibrium between efficiency and long-term R&D investments?
Digital Ecosystem
Digital ecosystems are reshaping how R&D creates value — from integrated, data-driven engineering to adaptive, customer-centric development. This panel will discuss the shifts, enablers, and risks that determine whether organizations fall behind or unlock the full potential of digital collaboration. We are addressing the following questions:
- Which shifts in digital business models / digital ecosystems are currently needed for not falling behind as R&D organization?
- Which key enablers support the transition from a traditional siloed process landscape to an integrated, data-driven engineering environment?
- How can digital ecosystems support more adaptive, modular, or customer-centric development approaches?
- What opportunities and risks arise from the increasing interdependence between R&D and digital ecosystems?
Smart Product Excellence
Excellence in smart, software-driven products demands more than technical mastery — it requires seamless integration across hardware, software, and systems. This panel examines how teams can meet rising safety and compliance demands while building the cross-disciplinary capabilities needed to deliver true product excellence. We are addressing the following questions:
- What defines excellence in the development of complex, software-driven products?
- How can development teams address growing safety, security, and compliance demands under time pressure?
- Which capabilities and success factors are essential for integrating hardware and software into coherent system architectures?
- Which cross-disciplinary interfaces are becoming increasingly relevant for achieving product excellence?
Impressions
Relive the highlights of our Women in R&D event! From inspiring keynotes to dynamic networking moments, this video captures the energy and innovation that made the event unforgettable. Get a glimpse of what’s in store for 2026!
Your Contact
Susanne Romahn
Marketing Manager
Do you have any questions about our events? We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our events.
