How do science and care fit together? We want to explore this question with various formats in 2025 and look forward to hearing from committed speakers and a lively exchange!
The coronavirus pandemic has made clear what was already apparent beforehand: we are a long way from gender equality and compatibility in science. Mothers* in particular bear the main burden of additional care work - with direct consequences for their academic careers. The so-called care gap not only affects individual careers, but also equal opportunities in the academic system as a whole. However, it is not only since the pandemic that many academics with children or the desire to have children have been asking themselves the question: Are parenthood and an academic career compatible at all?
Current data will be used to shed light on the (im)compatibility of parenthood and an academic career. Personal experiences of female academics with children illustrate structural hurdles and challenges. Building on this, concrete solutions will be presented that can contribute to a fairer university and academic landscape. Afterwards, there will be room for dialogue and discussion.
(The lecture will be held in German.)
Speakers: Dr Lena Eckert and Dr Sarah Czerney
Date: 19.03.2025, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Registration deadline: 17.03.2025
Wiebke Vogelaar holds a doctorate in political science, is a writing coach and mother of three. She is the author of ‘Schreiben trotz Care-Arbeit: Strategien für Mütter* in der Wissenschaft’ (2024) and will give insights into her own (writing) life with children and the experiences of her coachees.
She offers practical strategies for harmonising academic writing with being an individual mother* and also points out systemic patterns that make it so difficult for mothers* (in academia) to find concentration.
(The lecture will be held in German.)
Speaker: Dr Wiebke Vogelaar
Date: 13.05.2025