Science & Career Talks

Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons modulate a variety of brain functions, including voluntary movement and reward behavior. Their degeneration is linked to Parkinson's disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent studies have revealed gene expression profiles of distinct mDA subpopulations, but the developmental mechanisms behind this diversity are still unclear. Current research at the University of Bonn aims to uncover these mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of understanding the developmental history of mDA neurons for insights into their functional organization and vulnerability to neurodegeneration. 

The interactive workshop aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities for women in scientific careers. The focus is on promoting the retention of young female scientists in academia by reflecting on critical decision points, building strong support networks, and finding a balanced work-life dynamic. Topics such as mentorship, networks, and institutional support will be discussed in various breakout sessions. 

What is particularly important to you regarding gender equality in science?   

When it comes to equality in science, it is particularly important to me that women are specifically supported. This can be achieved through financial support, providing mentors, and specialized workshops to give them equal opportunities for a successful scientific career. At the same time, we must not overlook that equality is a societal problem as a whole. Especially in partnerships, the question often arises as to who gets to advance their professional career and who ultimately takes responsibility for household and family. Therefore, a change in societal structures is also needed so that decisions about career steps and family responsibilities can be distributed more fairly.  

Where do you see the greatest challenges on the way to equal opportunities?   

I see the greatest challenges on the path to equal opportunities in several areas. A central aspect is the unbalanced distribution of burdens between partners in the private domain. Often, it is women who, in addition to their professional careers, take on the main responsibility for household and children. Another critical point is the lack of comprehensive and flexible childcare that would allow parents – and especially mothers – to better balance work and family life. Moreover, in Germany, there is still a lack of social acceptance for working mothers, particularly those with young children. These traditional role models significantly hinder equal opportunities.  

How can universities and research institutions support equal opportunities for women in science?   

Universities and research institutions can support gender equality in science in various ways. First, women should be specifically promoted, for example through special programs, mentoring, and financial support. However, a central lever is changing the work culture. There needs to be a shift away from measuring performance based on working hours and overtime. Instead, the focus should be on the actual outcome, that is, the quality and impact of the research. Furthermore, more training opportunities should be offered in areas such as self-presentation, networking, and acquiring third-party funding to provide women with the necessary tools for a successful scientific career.  

Are there specific programs or initiatives that you would recommend to young female scientists?   

There are numerous programs and initiatives that offer valuable support to young female scientists. However, many of these are specific to individual universities, which is why it's particularly important to inquire about available funding opportunities at one's own institution and actively utilize them. One initiative I would like to highlight is the Nüsslein-Vollhard Foundation, which specifically supports women with children in science. For networking and visibility in academia, AcademiaNet is also an excellent platform. It offers outstanding female scientists the opportunity to network internationally and increase their visibility within the scientific community.  

How do you balance professional demands and personal life goals?   

One's professional position plays a crucial role in how well professional and personal goals can be reconciled. In particular, a permanent position offers significantly more security and flexibility. With a permanent position, it is often much easier to temporarily scale back professionally when more presence is required in private life, for example due to family obligations. This stability allows for longer-term planning and sustainable pursuit of both personal and professional goals without having to fear a career break or leaving the profession altogether.

16.11.2023 – Talk
Scientific Career and Family

12.06.2023 – Talk
Intervening Temporalities: Aesthetic of (lost?) Relations at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale

13.06.2023 – Workshop
Navigating your Career. Intersektionale Perspektiven auf die Karriereentwicklung in der Wissenschaft

16.09.2022 – Workshop
Karriereentwicklung von Frauen an Universitäten: Gestaltung – Vernetzung – Kommunikation

24.06.2022 – Talk
Regulated targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in the context of sterol metabolism

24.06.2022 – Workshop
How to buid a cohesive research profile - balancing scientific question(s) and main techniques of the lab

31.03.2022 – Talk
A look through the ice on Earth and Mars

30.03.2022 – Workshop
Navigating the glass labyrinth of science, technology, engineer and math (STEM)

02.02.2022 – Talk
Where and how are the heaviest elements produced in the universe?

03.02.2022 – Workshop
Academic career in nuclear astrophysics

12.01.2022 – Talk
Zwischen Kritik, Widerstand und einfach nur "mehr desselben": Wie männliche Führungskräfte über Gleichstellung sprechen

13.01.2022 – Workshop
"Strategische Karriereplanung" oder "einfach nur berufen sein"?