Academia is still shaped by structural inequalities and does not yet sufficiently reflect the diversity of society. For instance, while women make up almost half of those pursuing a doctorate in Germany, they remain significantly underrepresented at the highest levels of academic careers; there were only 30% of women among full-time professors at the end of 2024.

Beyond gender, many other dimensions of diversity can shape experiences and opportunities in academia, including sexual orientation and gender identity, ethnic background and nationality, religion and worldview, different physical and mental abilities, age, socioeconomic background (e.g. being a firstgeneration
academic), and other aspects of identity. For doctoral researchers whose experiences or identities differ from those of the majority in their academic environment, this can contribute to feelings of not belonging, self-doubt, or the perception that they must work harder to fit into the academic system.

But diversity is not a deficit. On the contrary, it is a valuable resource. Science and academia benefit from a plurality of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. This talk offers a safe and supportive space to reflect on experiences of belonging, exchange perspectives with others, and address self-doubt and fears of not fitting into academia. The workshop encourages participants to recognise their individual
identities and experiences not as obstacles, but as sources of strength that can enrich academic environments.

Together, we will explore how to build self-confidence, challenge internalised expectations, and develop a sense of belonging on your own terms, without having to conform to a predefined image of what an academic is supposed to look like.

Speaker
Lina Azazil obtained her PhD in English Linguistics and subsequently
worked as a project coordinator and Postdoc in a research consortium at
Trier University. She then changed her career path to research
management and now works in the Research Support Office at Trier
University, where she advises researchers on research consortia, gender
and diversity, and career development.

Alongside her professional work, she volunteers as a scientific career
consultant at the SWANS Initiative, an organisation supporting female
university students and young professionals from immigrant families. As a
first-generation academic from an immigrant background herself, she is
passionate about sharing the hidden rules of academia and contributing
to making academia more diverse and inclusive.

Target Group: Doctoral students

Registration: via genderconsulting@uni-mainz.de to Maike Schikora | Stabsstelle Gleichstellung und Diversität JGU Mainz

Please register by 26 October. You will receive the Zoom link once your place has been confirmed.