Bold ideas and critical thoughts on science.

Power and Power Abuse in Academia

Academia – we would like to imagine, is a place where collaboration outweighs competition, recognition is tied only to merit and resources are equally distributed.  However, we know in reality that the playing field is not equal for all participants and a select few often possess more power and privilege than others. This power imbalance does not only promote egocentric practices, inequalities and hierarchies,  but also diminishes opportunities for innovation and good scientific practice, as well as increases the likelihood of mental health issues.

We look forward to hearing about your personal experiences as well as your reflections on the experiences of academics in general, institutional practices and system-level trends.

Do you dare? What female scientists expect when communicating

Do you dare? What female scientists expect when communicating

Scientists are increasingly expected to engage with the public. At the same time, they face increasing hostility when they speak out. Female scientists, as a more frequent target of sexist hostility, fear being attacked and enjoy speaking out less than their male counterparts. The question arises: Is science communication really feasible for everyone in the current hostile environment? This short analysis focuses on female scientists as a subgroup of a large survey sample and how their assessment of public engagement differs from that of their male counterparts.

What happens to science when it communicates?

What happens to science when it communicates?

In August 2023 Benedikt Fecher conducted an interview with Clemens Blümel from the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) on the topic of ‘what happens when science opens up and communicates’ and the emerging challenges for future scientific communication.

On creating a good research environment

On creating a good research environment

Sabine Müller on the hierarchical system of German academia and why it could be a problem for the wellbeing of young academics and Ph.D. candidates. She compares it to her experiences at Oxford University and sheds light on the differences between the two research cultures.

Sexual harassment in Academia

Sexual harassment in Academia

Kelsey Medeiros on sexual harassment, what role it plays in relation to power structures in academia, and possible ways to address it

Tear down this invisible wall

Tear down this invisible wall

Katrin Frisch on encounters with the different forms of west german hegemony throughout her scientific training and everyday working life in academia.