December 4, 2025, 9:00–11:00 a.m.: Scientific Career and Parenthood: Event on balancing science and family life

4 November 2025, by Familienbüro

Photo: Sandy Miller, Unsplash

An informative discussion and networking event hosted by Clusters of Excellence Clusters of Excellence CLICCS, Quantum Universe and CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, the MIN Faculty, and the Family Office at Universität Hamburg

 The balance between a scientific career and family is often viewed as challenging and difficult. In particular limited work contracts, the necessity of national and international mobility as well as the high publication pressure are some of the reasons that are depicted as obstacles to take on family obligations.

With the event “Scientific Career and Parenthood” the Clusters of Excellence CLICCS, Quantum Universe and CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, the MIN Faculty, and the Family Office at Universität Hamburg wish to pick up on this topic and provide an overview in English of the legal ramifications of limited work contracts (under the WissZeitVG) and their effects on, e.g., claiming parental leave. 

Henning Rockmann, legal advisor, head of the higher education legislation and governance unit at the German Rectors' Conference will give a thematic overview on parental leave under the Academic Fixed Term Contract Act/WissZeitVG. 

In the subsequent panel discussion, we would like to introduce you to three researchers and invite you to share with them their strategies on how to manage career and family life, what support they receive and which obstacles they face.  

The third pillar: Networking. After the panel discussion you will have the chance for direct questions and further exchange. Additionally, there will be an Information booth of the Family Office of UHH. 

Moderation: Eileen Schwanold, Diversity Officer, Clusters of Excellence Qantum Universe and CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter & "dynaMENT”-Mentoring, Universität Hamburg 

Welcome: Dr. Linda Jauch, die Leitung, Hub of Academic Career & Research Culture (HARC)

LEGAL INPUT: Henning Rockmann, legal advisor, head of the higher education legislation and governance unit at the German Rectors‘ Conference 

PANEL: Sarah Kang, director of Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. Hamburg. Climate Dynamics Department; Rukan Nasri, M. Sc., PhD Student, Nano-Opto-Fluidics Lab; Dr. Katharina Behr, Postdoc von Quantum Universe

Special Guest & Information Booth: Family Office, UHH  

“Scientific Career and Parenthood" will take place 4 December 2025, 9:00–11:00 a.m. 
Venue: University of Hamburg, Grindelberg 5, room 1012 (first floor), 20146 Hamburg

Registration: Registration form : MIN Faculty : University of Hamburg

More information about the Scientific Career and Parenthood event here

This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome!