In October 2025, the ENHANCE Alliance partnered with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to co-organise the STEM Challenge as part of the EIT Women and Girls in STEM Forum in Brussels. As part of this collaboration, ENHANCE contributed jury expertise, presentation coaching for finalist teams, and — crucially — the top prize: a guided visit to one of the ENHANCE member universities.
The winning team, Cookie Crumblr — comprising Jiya Rohit, Alice Stebbing, Danisha Basnayake, and Suhani Jain — visited RWTH Aachen University from 18 to 20 March 2026 to explore its cutting-edge research and academic environment, as part of the Alliance's ongoing commitment to fostering gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
A Journey of Discovery and Inspiration
Organised by the ENHANCE Diversity Office, the visit offered the students a unique opportunity to engage with leading researchers, professors, and students across three key STEM disciplines: Computer Science, Physics, and Aerospace Engineering. Through interactive sessions, lab tours, and personal exchanges, they gained firsthand insights into university life, ongoing research, and potential career paths in STEM.
Highlights of the Visit
Institute Visits: The team explored the Institute of Computer Science, Physics, and Aerospace Engineering, meeting faculty and students who shared their expertise and enthusiasm for their fields.
Networking: The students connected with inspiring role models, including Finja Rentzsch-Holm, a researcher in aerospace engineering, who spoke openly about her experiences in the field.
The young women's enthusiasm and curiosity left a lasting impression on their hosts.
Strengthening the ENHANCE Mission
This visit exemplifies the ENHANCE Alliance's dedication to empowering new generations in STEM, breaking down barriers, and building a more inclusive future. By creating platforms for direct engagement with role models and real-world research, the Alliance aims to inspire young people to pursue their ambitions in science and engineering. The success of the visit was made possible by the commitment of many individuals and departments across RWTH Aachen University.
Looking Ahead
The ENHANCE Alliance will continue to create opportunities for the next generation in STEM, fostering connections and inspiring future leaders.
Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and success stories!
