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Motherhood – as well as other forms of unpaid care work – is still often seen as a disadvantage in academia. Those who have children or take on care responsibilities are quickly perceived as less flexible, less productive, less competitive. But what if we turn this perspective around?

The pilot project “Motherhood and Academia” aims to highlight the strengths, skills, and experiences that caregivers bring with them – and how these can enrich academic work. Motherhood does not only mean interruption or burden, but also resilience, creativity, organizational skills, empathy, and fresh perspectives on socially relevant questions.

Invitation to join the conversation

Our next network meeting on September 19, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. will focus on exactly these questions:

• What competencies arise from motherhood and care work?

• How can they be made visible and valued?

• And how can they inspire a different, more inclusive understanding of academia?

👉 Spontaneous participation is warmly welcome:
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 668 5098 4389
Passcode: 773037

Upcoming sessions

• October 28, 2025, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
  How do you do it? Role models: Who or what inspires you?

• November 2025 (tba)
  How do you do it? Role models edition. Mothers in academia share their journeys

About our use of language

We deliberately use the terms “motherhood” and “mothers” in a broad and reflective sense. Motherhood is diverse: not only cis women are mothers, not all mothers have given birth, and not all who have given birth are mothers. Anyone who is read as female will at some point in life be confronted with the topic in different ways – regardless of whether they have children or want them.

This project aims to create a space that is open to people with a wide range of experiences: to everyone who identifies as a mother, as well as to those who experience or are confronted with motherhood without identifying as a mother themselves.

Get involved

This series thrives on exchange. Ideas, impulses, and topic suggestions are always welcome – for upcoming meetings, blog contributions, or collaborations.

We would like to draw your attention to the Hector Research Career Development Award (RCD Award) – the application period is open until October 30, 2025.

The Hector RCD Award supports W1 assistant professors (with or without tenure track) and junior research group leaders from the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, or psychology who are on their way to a full professorship.

Awardees receive €25,000 in flexible research funding and financial support for one doctoral position, along with additional material expenses for up to four years. Beyond the financial support, awardees become part of the Hector Fellow Academy, joining a prestigious interdisciplinary network of leading scientists and Hector Science Award laureates.

Since its introduction in 2020, the Hector RCD Award has recognized 17 outstanding researchers who have demonstrated exceptional scientific achievements and leadership potential.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via the online application portal. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria and FAQs, is available on the Hector Fellow Academy website.

With the Hector RCD Award, the Hector Fellow Academy aims to support excellent researchers at a crucial stage in their academic careers—bridging the gap between postdoctoral work and professorship.

Magdeburg – Living diversity, building bridges, engaging in conversation: On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Islamic Community Center Magdeburg (Max-Otten-Str. 10a) invites you to a special interfaith dialogue.

The focus of the evening will be: How do I live my faith in everyday life? – from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim perspectives. With insights from Chief Rabbi Daniel Fabian, Father Clemens Dölken, and Imam Moawia Al Hamid, as well as contributions from young people from different communities, the event promises an open and lively exchange.

Participants will explore the challenges and opportunities of practicing religion in a diverse society. After the panel discussion, all attendees are invited to engage in personal conversations, meet one another, and share experiences.

Magdeburg thrives on its diversity – and on people who build bridges. This event is a chance to show support for peace, respect, and concrete solidarity.

Everyone interested is warmly welcome!

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Angela Kunze-Beiküfner
University Chaplain, Protestant Student Community (ESG) Magdeburg
📧 Pfarrerin@esg-magdeburg.de | 📞 +49 178 5478179
🌐 esgm.ekmd-online.de | hochschulbeirat-md.de