Tove Larsen

Why would you encourage girls and young women to work in science?

It is exciting to work in science and to make a difference. We live in a knowledge society and it is absolutely necessary to have a women's perspective in order to master the major global challenges.

What do you particularly like about your work?

The collaboration with colleagues is very enriching. When you work in science, you can develop your own ideas and contribute them to the team.

Who inspired you to pursue a career in science?

The director of Eawag at the time, Sascha Zehnder, believed in my ideas and offered me an exciting position, which then resulted in a permanent position. Thirty years ago, a female engineering scientist at Eawag was not a given, and my ideas were pretty much at odds with the rest of the work environment at the time - so the director showed courage. 

What advice would you give to young women/girls?

I do not like to give advice, but it is obvious that women are on average much more self-critical than men - and are also criticized much more quickly. Healthy self-confidence is fostered in networks with other women, for example.

What are you particularly proud of in your work?

I brought a number of new topics to Eawag, which were then taken up by colleagues and are now an integral part of the Eawag portfolio. Urine source separation, blue diversion and the water wall are important keywords, and their impact can be seen above all in the strategic priorities of Water Hub and Wings.