Shaping career paths and tackling structural disadvantages: Mentoring for female researchers (application deadline 15 September)
31. Aug - 15. Sep
The ProViae and ProScience mentoring programmes for female researchers (FLINTA*) will begin their next cycle in November 2026 at Leuphana University Lüneburg. Through mentoring, peer exchange, networking opportunities and tailored workshops, these programmes provide targeted support for individual career development.
The mentoring programmes are offered by the Office for Equal Opportunities. They provide a safe space for reflection, clarifying roles and decision-making during periods of transition, and are specifically designed to address structural disadvantages. Leuphana’s Office for Equal Opportunities offers two programmes: ProViae enables doctoral candidates and (early-stage) postdoctoral researchers to explore career paths both within and beyond academia; ProScience supports (advanced) postdoctoral researchers and junior professors as they take the next steps towards a professorship.
Despite high levels of qualification, FLINTA* in academia continue to face structural barriers. For example, unequal access to informal networks and resources, as well as implicit biases in selection and appointment processes, can reduce visibility and hinder career advancement.
“An academic career rarely follows a straight path,” says Dr Monika Tschense, Officer for Career Development and Mentoring, “but is instead characterised by unexpected twists and turns and new perspectives. Through career guidance and a strong network, we aim to provide effective support to female researchers and encourage them on their journey – with all its ‘twists and turns’.”
Apply by 15 September 2026. Further information is available on the Office for Equal Opportunities website. If you have any questions about the programmes, please feel free to contact our team at proviae@leuphana.deor proscience@leuphana.de.