Round Table on „Sharing
Experiences and Strategies for University Support in Promoting Emerging
Female Scientists“ with Prof. Dr. Franziska Lautenschläger, 1.30 pm, Room 02.729/B1.
On June 26th, a round table discussion titled „Sharing Experiences and Strategies for University Support in Promoting Emerging Female Scientists“ was held. The event featured Prof. Dr. Franziska Lautenschläger (http://www.lautenschlaeger.uni-saarland.de/index.html) as the speaker and included about 15 participants. The discussion was informal, focusing on personal experiences and practical strategies.
First, Franziska introduced herself by sharing her academic journey, highlighting significant milestones such as the BMW Scientific Award, a Gates Cambridge Fellowship, and her tenure as a junior professor. She emphasized from her experience the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining a balance between research and personal life, particularly for those with children. She noted the value of campus childcare facilities and the challenges of not being away from research for extended periods.
We then had a small informal introduction round and then the discussion started, where the following topics arose:
- Job Applications: Franziska mentioned that while it’s illegal to inquire about family planning during job interviews, such questions often arise informally based on her and other senior participants‘ experiences.
- Taking Initiative: She and other seniors of the round stressed the importance of taking on organizational responsibilities, as these efforts are remembered and valued in academic circles.
- Learning from Failures: She suggested that younger scientists review CVs of failures to understand that many applications and grants are unsuccessful.
- Benefits of Academia: Despite the challenges, Franziska finds academia rewarding due to the interaction with interesting people, a constant influx of young minds, autonomy in research, and the ability to ask significant scientific questions. However, she acknowledged that no formal training prepares one for academic roles and the increasing administrative burden reduces research time.
- Balancing Science and Administration: Franziska suggested reserving one day per week free from administrative tasks to focus on research, reflecting her own practice.
- Postdoc Challenges: She advised postdocs to seek new scientific experiences and consider relocating, based on her personal journey. There was a consensus on the need for an intermediate academic layer between postdoc and professor roles.
- PhD Concerns: From the discussion, it emerged that the duration of a PhD is less important than the quality of the work. Participants agreed that PhD students should start applying for grants or industry jobs about a year before completion and maintain open communication with their supervisors.
When asked about the advantages of being a woman in academia, Franziska shared her belief that women tend to be more empathetic, which can make them better group leaders. She also noted that parenting hones skills valuable for leadership.
The discussion underscored the importance of support structures, proactive career management, and leveraging the unique strengths that women bring to academic science.
Round Table on „Sharing
Experiences and Strategies for University Support in Promoting Emerging
Female Scientists“ with Prof. Dr. Franziska Lautenschläger, 1.30 pm, Room 02.729/B1.
On June 26th, a round table discussion titled „Sharing Experiences and Strategies for University Support in Promoting Emerging Female Scientists“ was held. The event featured Prof. Dr. Franziska Lautenschläger (http://www.lautenschlaeger.uni-saarland.de/index.html) as the speaker and included about 15 participants. The discussion was informal, focusing on personal experiences and practical strategies.
First, Franziska introduced herself by sharing her academic journey, highlighting significant milestones such as the BMW Scientific Award, a Gates Cambridge Fellowship, and her tenure as a junior professor. She emphasized from her experience the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining a balance between research and personal life, particularly for those with children. She noted the value of campus childcare facilities and the challenges of not being away from research for extended periods.
We then had a small informal introduction round and then the discussion started, where the following topics arose:
When asked about the advantages of being a woman in academia, Franziska shared her belief that women tend to be more empathetic, which can make them better group leaders. She also noted that parenting hones skills valuable for leadership.
The discussion underscored the importance of support structures, proactive career management, and leveraging the unique strengths that women bring to academic science.