Parenthood in Science: Care, Careers, and Structural Inequality

Tuesday Jun 30, 2026, 10:00 AM → 5:00 PM Europe/Berlin

Fritz-Haber-Institut

Giulia Glorani (Fritz-Haber-Institut - Max-Planck-Gesellschaft), Lena Eckert

Despite increasing awareness, academia remains far from achieving gender equality, especially when it comes to the compatibility of care work and scientific careers. Parenthood in Science invites you to critically reflect on how parenthood, the desire to have children, and unpaid care work shape academic trajectories, workplace culture, and knowledge production itself. This research-informed event combines a lecture and an interactive workshop to open dialogue, foster reflection, and build solidarity. It is designed not only for parents in academia but also for those who have a desire to have children and are seeking space, clarity, and empowerment around questions of parenthood and career.  

Parenthood_in_Science_content.pdf

10:30 AM → 12:00 PM Lecture: Parenthood in Science: Care, Careers, and Structural Inequality

OPEN TO EVERYONE

This lecture presents current data on the realities of parenthood in academia and explores the broader consequences for science, including structural inequalities and epistemological impacts. It also addresses the lack of institutional recognition of care work and discusses pathways toward sustainable transformation.

• Current data on parenthood and academic careers • Structural inequalities and systemic barriers • Impacts on scientific knowledge production • The politics of care and recognition • Strategies for change and empowerment

Seminar Room, Ground Floor, Building M, Faradayweg 10, 14195, Berlin
The lecture will also be streamed on zoom at:https://zoom.us/j/96557520305?pwd=GasgzJX48wxmdoTBGoG9rtg6h3DMqO.1

12:00 PM → 1:00 PM Lunch Break

1:00 PM → 4:00 PM Workshop: (The desire of) having kids and science – space for reflection for academics

OPEN TO PARENTS AND THOSE WHO ARE PLANNING TO HAVE KIDS IN THE NEAR FUTURE (Max 20 participants)

At some point, many people in academia are confronted with questions around parenthood, whether through personal desire, social expectations, or structural pressures. Yet there are few spaces to openly reflect on these questions. This workshop creates a supportive and confidential environment to explore personal perspectives on having (or not having) children, while also critically examining the structural realities of academia.

• Guided reflection on personal desires and decisions • Open, solidarity-based exchange with peers • Analysis of structural conditions in academia • Empowerment through shared experiences • Building awareness and support networks

Library, Ground Floor, Building A, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195, Berlin

4:00 PM → 5:00 PM Networking and coffee