Speaker for Pre-Conference Seminar
Will be held online
- On 28 April 2025: Dr. Maria Klawe, 5th President of Harvey Mudd College (2006-2023) and current President for Math for America, computer scientist and educator dedicated to increasing diversity in STEM and expanding opportunities for women in technology.
- On 9 May 2025: Dr. Emma Robinson, Head of Research Department of Biomedical Computing, group leader of the MeTrICS Lab, King’s College London, researches perinatal health and neurodevelopemental impairment
Speakers at Women's Careers and Networks Symposium 2025
Will be held in-person at MPI Faßberg Campus, Göttingen on 5th of June, 2025
- Petra Broistedt, Mayor of Göttingen since November 2021 (Opening Remarks)
- Head of the Institute of Neurobiology in Heinrich Heine University D Düsseldorf, specializing in neurophysiology and cellular neurobiology
- Talk title: "How I became a scientist: a personal account of my career" Abstract
- Senior Physician and clinician-scientist professorship Else-Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung for atrial arrhythmopathies, Leader at University Hospital Heidelberg
- Co-Group Leader at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Frankfurt, studying neural dynamics and complementary cognitive processing
- Talk title: "1+1=3 : How running a lab together is more than worth it" Abstract
- Professor in biomedical radiation sciences at Uppsala University, CEO of Akiram Therapeutics, researching cancer precision medicine
- Talk title: "From Lab Rat to Business Cat: An Academic's Journey from Innovation to Implementation" Abstract
- Senior Scientist at Demant, a Danish multinational company involved with hearing care, hearing aids, audiometric equipment and personal communication devices
- Talk title: "My Transition from Academia to Industry - A Heartbreak or Dance of Joy" Abstract
- Head of Public Engagement and Impact at the Museum for Naturkunde Berlin
- Talk title: "Proactive Career Shaping: Making Opportunities & Opening Doors" Abstract
- Group Leader at Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, studying the consequences of sleep deprivation on cognitive function in animal model.
- Talk title: "From Invisible to Influential – Amplifying Women's Voices in Science" Abstract
- Panel discussion format: 1 hour panel discussion with experts and 1 hour to work in small groups on pressing issues in our university
- Moderator: Dr. Katrin Wodzicki
There are probably many different ways to become a university professor, a profession that is actually two or even three different professions: scientist, academic teacher, and (last but not least) administrator. In my presentation, I will talk about my career path and the key moments that kept me in academia. Not only my continuous development in the scientific and academic field, but also personal developments and choices have played a role. I will also talk about the challenges I faced after becoming a full professor, including when I started to get involved in mentoring and supporting young (female) scientists.
A career in science is not only very exciting and fulfilling, but can also be frustrating, disappointing, and lonely at times. How to better overcome these challenges than by facing them together? In my talk, I will share with you the journey that my Co-PI Martha and I undertook to build and run a lab together – and place our endeavour in the wider context of alternative models of leadership in science.
The transition from academia to entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path, especially for women in science. In this talk, I will share my journey from being a cancer researcher at Uppsala University to co-founding and being CEO at a biotech company—bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application. In this talk, I’ll share key lessons, insights, and advice for those looking to turn scientific discovery into real-world impact.
The talk is all about what I learned along the way while making the leap from the PhD to the industry. I will share my take on doing research in the industry - what is exciting, what is less great, and which skills from my PhD have turned out to be surprisingly useful. If you are feeling a bit lost in the rat race and wondering whether moving to the industry is the right move, I hope this talk may give you some clarity (or at least a fresh perspective).
What attitudes, activities, and actions that are critical in proactively shaping your own career? From personal experience, good and bad, I want to inspire you to be more proactive in asking the most from yourself, and from your working life. I spent my early 30's letting others shape my career, but I realised I had skills that were not being used and ambitions not being realised. The next few years brought about a change of perspective, rigorous self questioning of what I actually wanted to do, and what difference I wanted to make. From then on I took a very proactive approach to career building. These are the skills and insights I will pass on to you.
Navigating a career in science as a woman comes with unique challenges—being overlooked, struggling to be heard, and facing biases that only grow with seniority. Yet, despite these obstacles, mentorship and support networks have been my driving force to stay in academia. In this talk, I’ll share my journey from Europe to Harvard and back to leading my own research group, the hurdles I faced along the way, and how mentorship—both as a mentee and a mentor—has shaped my path. I’ll discuss why finding allies, amplifying each other’s voices, and actively building networks are essential for creating a more inclusive scientific community. Most importantly, I’ll leave you with practical strategies to make yourself visible, advocate for others, and turn struggle into strength.
Panel Discussion
Our panel will explore the systemic inequalities present in the scientific community and discuss actionable strategies for fostering a more inclusive and equitable research environment. Experts from different disciplines will answer your questions on barriers faced by underrepresented groups in science. The discussion and following workshop will highlight initiatives and policy changes that people and institutions can implement to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and beyond. Attendees will gain insights into how they can contribute to creating a fairer scientific landscape.