The Food-Processing Initiative e. V. supports and assists companies in the food industry in the successful implementation of innovative projects. They offer members access to a unique knowledge pool and industry network, and cooperate with partners at regional, national and international level from research, development and politics. As a competence hub, they facilitate dialog between stakeholders, initiate cooperative projects (b2b & b2s) and bring solutions into practice on digital transformation // sustainable production // assuring quality // developing personnel // bringing technologies into practice // international networking. What is their role in RE-WITCH? FPI is involved in the task on communication, dissemination and exploitation of results, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and building the RE-WITCH community.
What do you like in this project? What do you find most important?
“The rising energy costs in recent years pose an enormous challenge for German companies. Projects such as RE-WITCH, which utilise energy from side streams and renewable energies, aim to reduce energy costs. In doing so, they help to secure Germany as a business location. That is why it is important for us to be part of this project and to share the results with companies in the food industry.” says Sabine Höfel.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I have a degree in food technology with a focus on beverages. I also did an internship in the field of confectionery at Kraft Jacobs Suchar. During my 25 years at FPI e.V., I have managed national and international projects with different technological focuses. The common thread was always resource efficiency. I also have experience as an evaluator in our European projects. And I am part of diverse Technology oriented advisory boards and work on various projects on the advisory board.
What brought you into this field? How did you get interest in STEM?
Even as a child I was interested in interrelationships. What works how and why was a question that always accompanied me. I took defective technical devices apart and repaired them if possible. I also always enjoyed cooking. When I was wondering what I wanted to study, I decided to study food technology. Food and technology the best combination for me :-). My whole life I benefit from a strong network (parents, grandparents, partners, friends, colleagues and chef) that has always supported me.
What were some of the challenges you faced as a woman in STEM?
The industry was and still is dominated by men, even if this has changed somewhat in recent years. A woman in a technical profession is unfortunately still exotic (even if more women are choosing technical professions today). That’s why it sometimes was and still is a challenge to be seen and heard and taken seriously. However, this is highly dependent on the environment in which you are working. And in recent years, you can feel a change. The food industry and the people are evolving.
If you’ve ever faced uncertainty about whether you belonged in a STEM field, how did you tackle that?
My network has always given me support. That and the fact that my boss always gave me backing made me stronger. I remained persistent and believed in myself.
Any advice / message for young women in highschool? Why is our sector a great one?
Technology can change the world/a process. Take RE-WITCH it, for example. If the partner manages to utilize the waste heat that is produced in the process anyway instead of leaving it unused, the environment will be protected because less new energy that may come from a coal-fired power plant has to be used and the company also saves money that can go into sustaining the company and thus secures jobs. And this is only one example, there are so many more where technology changes the world in a positive way. If you know how something works, you could influence it and change it for the better. So, STEM offers so many opportunities and chances to develop yourself and the world.
What are your hopes for the future of women in STEM (in regards to opportunities, stereotypes, etc.)?
To all those who are already involved, keep it up, become visible, be a role model, share your knowledge, and never forget that a good team consists of women and man, old and young. Different backgrounds and experiences make a team resilient and sustainably good.
To all young women, take advantage of the opportunities that stem offers. Create a network that supports you and stay true to yourself. Stay open and curious
Did you have a mentor or inspiration person?
I didn’t have a mentor, but I always had people with the same background around me with whom I could exchange ideas, which is important from my point of view. And of course, my network of people that never stops being curious and evolving themselves.
See our infographics on women in science/heating and cooling and the energy sectors here.
