LAPP, a Stuttgart-based specialist in integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, and Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences have now announced a very special collaboration: in the future, female doctoral students will be supported with a total funding amount of 80,000 to 100,000 euros through the “Ursula Ida Lapp Doctoral Scholarship” named after the founder of the family business. The aim of the full scholarship is to contribute to greater equality of opportunity for women with special challenges in the STEM field.

You have to keep your promises

The idea of supporting women in the STEM field and passing on the family business's values was inspired by the life story of the company's founder, Ursula Ida Lapp. Matthias Lapp, CEO of the Lapp Group and grandson of the late entrepreneur: “My grandmother founded the company with my grandfather at the age of 30, successfully managed it for 60 years and mastered the balancing act between children and career. On her 90th birthday, I promised her that LAPP would support clever and innovative women with a scholarship. This promise has now become a reality.”

Ursula Ida Lapp Doctoral Scholarship

The scholarship is explicitly aimed at women up to the age of 40 from Germany and abroad who want to pursue a doctoral project in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at Heilbronn University. Heilbronn University gives special consideration to women with particular challenges, such as a refugee or migration background, raising children or caring for relatives. In addition, applications are encouraged to include doctoral topics related to sustainability and social engagement. A selection committee made up of experts from various departments at Heilbronn University and two representatives from LAPP will make the funding decision in a three-stage selection process. Professor Ruth Fleuchaus, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Diversity at Heilbronn University, says: “We are very pleased to be able to establish an extension of our doctoral funding for women at HHN through our cooperation with LAPP. Promoting the careers of women on their way into science is in the DNA of our university. In LAPP, we have a partner at our side that shares these values with us.”

Scholarship holder receives at least 80,000 euros in funding

The scholarship usually runs for three years and contributes 1,800 euros per month to living expenses. In addition, further funding opportunities are possible, such as a monthly child allowance, annual travel allowances for specialist conferences and participation in publication and printing costs. Over three years, this results in a funding amount of between €80,000 and €100,000. LAPP also provides the scholarship holder with non-material support in terms of career and further training – for example, in the form of mentoring, participation in workshops or exchanges with experts at LAPP.

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