Rethinking motherhood and science

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.