Scientific Career and Parenthood
27 November 2024, by Familienbüro
Photo: Sandy Miller, Unsplash
On November 5, 2024, the University of Hamburg hosted the event "Scientific Career and Parenthood" at the Geomatikum. Organized by the MIN Faculty, Clusters of Excellence, and the University's Family Office, the event addressed challenges in balancing scientific careers with family obligations, providing insights on parental leave, rights, and regulations. Key topics discussed included fixed-term contracts, mobility requirements, publication pressures. The program featured a lecture on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), an engaging panel discussion, and networking opportunities. Vice President Prof. Dr. Tilo Böhmann opened the event, followed by Henning Rockmann from the German Rectors' Conference, who discussed legal issues regarding fixed-term contracts and parental leave. Panelists, including Prof. Dr. Eleanor Frajka-Williams, Dr. Leonard Borchert, Laurin Lang, and Dr. Artur Lobanov, shared strategies for balancing career and family. The event concluded with networking over coffee and an information booth by the Family Office and Welcome Service. Conducted in English, the event fostered meaningful dialogue on the intersection of science and family life, and participants are encouraged to engage in future events to continue this valuable exchange!