shaping academic culture

I believe that a healthier academic culture is only possible through the active contributions of researchers at all levels. As part of that, I try to support a more inclusive, transparent, and fair system—through advocacy, peer support, and policy discussions. You’ll find some of my thoughts on the academic system and culture change here.

roles

Spokesperson
Leibniz Postdoc Network | 12.2022 – 12.2024

  • Represented ~2,500 postdoctoral researchers across 96 Leibniz Institutes in Germany.
  • Provided strategic direction and coordinating across several working groups (e.g. postdoc survey, career development, advocacy), in collaboration with group coordinators.
  • Organised networking events, steering meetings, and annual assemblies.
  • Managed the network’s yearly budget, prepared the annual financial report, and contributed to a 25% increase in funding.
  • Advocated for improved working conditions and research assessment practices in panels, and webinars.
  • Contributed to the Leibniz Postdoc Survey Report concerning postdoctoral researchers in Leibniz Institutes and played an active role in the communication of the results to institutional leaders and the wider community.
  • Represented postdoc interests in communication with the Leibniz Association, institutional leaders, and policymakers.

PhD Confidant
Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine | 12.2021 – Present

  • Offering confidential support to PhD candidates navigating interpersonal, supervisory, or institutional challenges.
  • Contributing to a healthier academic environment by promoting open communication and constructive conflict resolution.

Postdoc Representative
Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine | 12.2021 – 12.2023

  • Promoted stronger peer networks and increased opportunities for exchange across teams by organising networking events and peer mentoring.

Coordinator, Working Conditions & Mental Health Working Group
Leibniz Postdoc Network | 11.2021 – 01.2023

  • Coordinated initiatives focused on working conditions across the network.
  • Organised webinars to promote mental well-being and open dialogue around mental health in research.
  • Developed the Welcome Package (V.1) to facilitate the onboarding of international postdoctoral researchers moving to Germany (information on topics such as work visas, childcare, health insurance, and the WissZeitVG)

highlights

  • March 2025 — Invited speaker at Leibniz Mentoring: In-depth Programme for mentees from abroad. Event to support international early career researchers by creating space to discuss the often unspoken rules of the German academic system, including third-party funding acquisition, networking culture, and broader career development strategies.
  • November 2024 — Led the organisation of the 8th General Assembly of the Leibniz Postdoc Network: a two-day hybrid event featuring career development workshops, a mental health webinar, working group discussions, a scientific poster session, and a networking dinner to strengthen postdoc collaboration.
  • November 2024 — Panelist at Helmholtz Postdoc Network kick-off meeting for discussions on establishing postdoc networks.
Proof that early career researchers give the sweetest thanks, quite literally.

  • September–October 2024 — Together with Dr Regina Becker (LIfBi), presented the results of the Leibniz Postdoc Survey to administrative and scientific leaders of the Leibniz Association during three high-level meetings: the Administrative Committee and the regular Section B (Economics, Social Sciences, Spatial Research) and Section C (Life Science) conferences, which bring together leaders across the Leibniz Association. Discussions focused on interpreting the findings and exploring constructive ways institutes might respond to identified challenges and areas for improvement.

  • September 2024 — Co-organised an information event for Leibniz postdocs Leibniz Career Development and Postdoc Network with Dr Marvin Bähr, Senior Research Manager for Career Development at the Leibniz Head Office.

Great afternoon of career advice and community-building — powered by postdoc curiosity (and/or coffee).
A powerful exchange on systemic challenges in the German research landscape — from transparency gaps to everyday struggles. Together, we shared good practices and explored what can be done at the personal, institutional, and systemic level.

  • March 2024 — Participated in Fachdialog Wissenschaftler und Wissenschaftlerinnen in einer frühen Karrierephase (BMBF), an expert dialogue on improving career paths and working conditions in science, in the context of EU Council recommendations on how to keep, attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.

  • February 2024 – Present — Member of the Leibniz Strategy Forum on Research Assessment, representing early career researchers from Leibniz Institutes. The forum brings together internal and external perspectives to reflect on and further develop research evaluation practices across the association. As part of its 2024–2025 agenda, the group is identifying key areas for action and preparing recommendations in line with the CoARA principles.

  • October 2023 — Panelist in Postdocs in Germany: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives alongside BMBF Parliamentary Secretary Dr Jens Brandenburg and other early career researcher representatives.

From defining “postdoc” to exploring long-term career prospects, we unpacked the challenges international researchers face and asked whether current frameworks, like the WissZeitVG, are aligned with the realities of postdoc life in Germany. We also exchanged ideas on how the system could evolve to better support early career researchers.

  • October 2023 — Delivered talk at the Leibniz Leadership Lecture at the Head Office of the Leibniz Association, Berlin: “Reform of the Scientific Performance Evaluation”.

  • June 2023 — Contributed to the Joint Statement on the WissZeitVG draft bill by German postdoc networks.

  • 2023-2024 — Represented postdoctoral researchers at Leibniz institutes in regular meetings with the Secretary General Dr Bettina Böhm and the President of the Leibniz Association Prof. Martina Brockmeier to discuss policies and challenges affecting postdocs.