Scientific Career and Parenthood

Das Gleichgewicht zwischen Wissenschaftskarriere und Familie ist oft eine Herausforderung. Befristete Arbeitsverträge, die Forderung nach regionaler und internationaler Mobilität und der hohe Publikationsdruck werden als vorrangige Barrieren bei der Entscheidung, familiäre Pflichten einzugehen, wahrgenommen.

Mit der Veranstaltung “Scientific Career and Parenthood” greifen die Exzellenzcluster CLICCS, CUI-Advanced und Quantum Universe, die MIN-Fakultät und das Familienbüro der Universität Hamburg dieses Thema auf und geben Ihnen in englischer Sprache einen Überblick über die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen von befristeten Arbeitsverträgen (nach dem WissZeitVG) und deren Auswirkung z.B. auf die Inanspruchnahme von Elternzeit.

In der persönlichen Podiumsdiskussion teilen vier Forscher:innen unterschiedlicher Statusgruppen ihre Strategien bei der Vereinbarung von Karriere und Familienleben und berichten, welche Unterstützung ihnen zuteil wird und mit welchen Hindernissen sie konfrontiert werden. Anschließend gibt es die Möglichkeit für Fragen und weiteren Austausch.

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!