Throwback Lunch Talk: Are Postdocs Alright?
The basis of all advocacies for postdocs is having reliable data that shine an honest light on their working conditions, mental health, and career prospects. The 2. survey of the Leibniz Postdoc Network, which was just published, gives us more insight into the situation for this early-career-researchers [here]. Our last lunch talk of the series “Improving research culture” welcomed Dr. Regina Becker and Dr. Harry Williams, two of the brains behind this latest survey. During the lunch talk, we gained unique insights into their findings and asked similar questions to the audience to understand whether postdocs are alright. In the following discussion, we realized that many challenges are not exclusive to Leibniz research institutions but are perceived similarly everywhere in German academia (Fig. 1).
Figure 1: Responses from the lunch talk discussion.
The talk was a great opportunity for postdocs throughout Germany to come together and learn about each other’s lived experiences and professional challenges. Unfortunately, the unpredictability and insecurity of an academic career, the ever-increasing workload, and lack of transparency when it comes to career progression are not limited to one institute, but rather more pervasive. This was helpful as it allowed us to develop a shared understanding of the situation in Germany. More importantly, we took also some first steps towards identifying how we can change things for the better. If the postdocs who attended today's talk get involved, stay engaged, and help us make a change, then today has been a success.
While an increasing number of postdocs seem to consider leaving, considering leaving is not yet the same as leaving. Let us work together to make staying in German academia a possible and attractive choice. The results of the Leibniz Postdoc survey are actively discussed within the Leibniz Association with Leibniz Postdoc Network representatives to address these challenges. However, systemic change is also needed. As a postdoc, you can help by joining peer networks to make your voice heard and benefit from peer support. As a postdoc coordinator, academic leader, or policymaker, you can join this ongoing dialogue with postdocs to build a research culture that attracts and retains talent together.
Data will also be the most important lever in the future, the 3rd Leibniz Postdoc Survey is currently open for participation – take some time and register to receive a participation link [here]! If you are interested in conducting surveys yourself or use the results to advocate for change, then you are welcome in our working groups [here].
