Scientific Career and Parenthood
Reconciling an academic career and family responsibilities is often a challenge, all the more so against the backdrop of fixed-term employment contracts and high pressure to be mobile and publish.
In this English-language event, the Clusters of Excellence CLICCS, CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter and Quantum Universe, the MIN Faculty, the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures (CSMC) and its Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts (UWA) and the Family Office of University of Hamburg address the important topic of reconciling a scientific career and family life. This year’s program comprises:
1. Lecture: Expert input from the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and overview of the legal options for family-related time-outs in fixed-term employment contracts (WissZeitVG).
2. Panel discussion: Researchers of different status groups share their personal strategies for balancing career and family. They will talk about the support they receive and the challenges they face.
3. Networking: You will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas over snacks and drinks. An Information table from Universität Hamburg's Family Office will also be available.
Next event:
We cordially invite you to take part in the next event “Scientific Career and Parenthood” on 26 November 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
The event will take place in the University of Hamburg, Library MIN-Forum, Bundesstraße 56a, Room 01-116 Hamburg.
Rückblick auf die Veranstaltung vom 05. November 2024/Review of the event on November 05, 2024
On 5 November 2024, the event "Scientific Career and Parenthood" took place at the University of Hamburg's Geomatikum. The objective was to illuminate the challenges and opportunities inherent in balancing scientific careers with family obligations. Organized by the MIN Faculty, the Clusters of Excellence, and the University's Family Office, the event provided information on parental leave, rights, and regulations, and raised awareness of the challenges faced by researchers. Topics such as fixed-term contracts, mobility requirements, publication pressures, and the lack of recognition and reward for care work in academia were also addressed.
Participants discussed the need for more permanent positions within academia, as well as the challenges that mothers in science often face, including the stigma of being labeled as "Rabenmütter" (bad mothers). Suggestions included providing stipends with a financial supplement during parental leave to alleviate some financial burdens associated with taking time off for family.
Additionally, there was a discussion about the concern that there should not only be 50% positions for PhD candidates, as such arrangements can impose financial limitations that hinder individuals from accessing private support services, such as cleaning help, which could, in turn, increase their "me-time" and work-life balance.
Notably, the presence of a parent-child room on campus was highlighted as a significant positive aspect, along with the availability of central contacts at the University through the Family Office and other resources that offer comprehensive information and support for families.
The program of this event consisted of three central components: a lecture on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), a panel discussion featuring practical examples, and networking opportunities. At the beginning of the event, the Vice President of the University of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Tilo Böhmann, delivered a motivational greeting that inspired attendees and underscored the importance of the topic. This was followed by a presentation from Henning Rockmann, legal advisor and head of higher education legislation at the German Rectors' Conference, who provided a comprehensive overview of the legal aspects of fixed-term employment contracts and their implications for parental leave. After the presentation, participants had the opportunity to ask questions, facilitating an open dialogue.
The panel discussion featured four researchers from different status groups—Prof. Dr. Eleanor Frajka-Williams, Dr. Leonard Borchert, Laurin Lang, and Dr. Artur Lobanov—who shared their personal strategies for balancing career and family, as well as their individual insights and experiences. This exchange encouraged participants to think creatively about their own situations and learn from the experiences of others. To conclude the event, moderator Eileen Schwanold summarized key topics and areas for action, with the panelists offering final tips and advice.
Networking opportunities followed, allowing attendees to engage informally over coffee/tea and snacks. Additionally, a special information booth hosted by the Family Office and the Welcome Service provided essential resources and personalized consulting options. Held in English, the event successfully facilitated practical discussions, networking, and sharing of experiences. The high level of engagement signified a strong interest in this vital topic. Overall, the event generated meaningful dialogue on the intersection of science and family life. We encourage all participants to actively engage in future events to continue this valuable exchange!
Weitere Informationen zur Vereinbarkeit von Wissenschaft und Kind
Hier finden Sie praktische Tipps, was bei der Planung der Elternzeit zu beachten ist: 10 steps to parental leave @ UHH (PDF).
Zahlreiche Informationen zur Vereinbarkeit von Wissenschaft und Kind finden Sie auf den Seiten des Familienbüros.