Spring Talks 2026: Diverse Minds - Deep Impact

On April 22-23, 2026, the Diversity Commission of the Department of Computer Science hosted the first Spring Talks at TU Dortmund University. Over two days, five speakers delivered talks exploring the intersection of deep technology and diversity.
Speakers:
- Cécile Deprez (German Aerospace Center - DLR) discussed the future of satellite navigation and challenged attendees to question their practices in attracting diverse talent.
- Anastasia Leutloff, MBA (Senior Project Lead, High-Tech Industry) explored deep tech in industry and presented strategies for opening spaces in tech more effectively.
- Lu 璐 Zhang 张 (European Patent Attorney, Founder LU-IP) explained how to protect innovation and shared insights on embracing difference as a strength.
- Frédérique Lambers (Ex-Bosch, MIT CDO Program, Lecturer at Macromedia) connected Industry 4.0 with the business case for diversity.
- Amruta Ranade (Machine Learning Engineer, Quadra Energy; Co-Founder Deep Tech Collective e.V.) presented AI systems in renewable energy and shared perspectives on career development as a woman in tech.
Natalia Ogorelysheva moderated both days, facilitating engaging discussions between speakers and audience members and ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas throughout the event.
Key Takeaways:
The talks demonstrated that diversity is not purely a moral argument. Organizations that lack diversity design science and business for only part of society. In science, this means blind spots in research, one-sided questions, and results that don't apply to everyone. In business, this translates directly to lost customers, missed markets, and foregone revenue. The Spring Talks initiated a dialogue on these critical issues within the computer science community at TU Dortmund.
Pic: f.l.t.r. Amruta Ranade, Anastasia Leutloff, Natalia Ogorelysheva, Frédérique Lambers, Cécile Deprez, Lu Zhang
