Prof. Petra Wiederkehr took office as Vice President Diversity of TU Dortmund University in June 2023.

Wiederkehr has been UA Ruhr professor for Virtual Machining at the Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University since 2017 and conducts research in the field of digitalization and optimization of manufacturing processes. Previously, she was a junior professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU Dortmund University. Petra Wiederkehr is, among other things, a member of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP) and the scientific advisory board of the Cluster of Excellence “Internet of Production” at RWTH Aachen University.

The division of the Vice President Diversity includes all cross-department matters aimed at valuing social and cultural diversity at TU Dortmund University and promoting it as a basis for outstanding research and high-quality teaching and work. Improving equal opportunities at all levels is fundamental to this. One focus of its work is therefore the continuation of the “One University for All” action plan, which promotes inclusion and accessibility. Other topics include the promotion of gender and educational equality as well as protection against discrimination and sexualized violence.

Together with the Working Group Diversity, the Vice President fills the business area broadly. She is supported in this by Staff Unit Equal Opportunities, Family and Diversity.