*1963 | Germany
Field: Technology
Qualified restorer, heritage conservationist, Dr. phil. (Heritage Conservation / Conservation); joiner, degree in Conservation/Restoration, degree in Heritage Conservation, foundation studies in European Ethnology and Building Research, PhD
My work:
Professor at the Institute for Restoration and Conservation Science (CICS), Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Brief description of duties:
Teaching (theory and practice), examinations, student and personal research projects and publications, maintaining and expanding networks, including for practical workshops with students on site.
Frederike Weantig
"The key to an interesting career is a willingness to take risks and always remaining curious and open to new ideas."
Your vision for ‘Women in STEM’
Don’t let yourself be discouraged. Give things a go. Sometimes, stand your ground and don’t accept a “that won’t work” or “nothing like that has ever been done before”. Seek out your passions, trust your instincts, and assess the risks.
Did you have a clear idea of what your future would look like when you were a child?
No, as a child I had no idea. But I knew I wanted to do something I enjoyed. Even at primary school, I realised that there were more options available to boys, and I didn’t like that. Fortunately, my father stood up for me and made it possible for me to do things that were only meant for boys back then. My conservative father’s great tolerance and openness had a big influence on me in this regard.
Which person(s) or experience(s) had the greatest influence on your decision about which career to pursue, and why?
None. After leaving school, all I knew was that I was looking for a career that combined both theoretical and practical aspects, and that I definitely didn’t want to work in an office.
Please tell us how your interest in your profession, academic field or trade was sparked.
An open day offering a behind-the-scenes look at a museum opened my eyes to the world of conservation and restoration. I was immediately fascinated by the diversity of the objects in terms of materials and construction, as well as the challenges involved in preserving them.
I found and still find the combination of history, materials science and technology to be perfect.
What do you like most about your current job?
No two days are the same.
Researching the history of materials and constantly discovering new aspects. Supporting students and watching them find their way.
These qualities have helped me along the way:
Patience, perseverance, tenacity, creative thinking and always looking for new approaches.
If you could give young women some advice, what would it be?
Don’t let yourself be unsettled under any circumstances. Always follow your own thoughts and feelings. Don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer; keep asking questions. Parents aren’t necessarily the best people to ask for advice.
More about Friederike
Contact details
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Tel. 069 / 713 79 69-0
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Fax 069 / 713 79 69-190
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