Diversity Day 2026: Promoting Greater Equal Opportunity in Science

Educational success in Germany continues to depend heavily on one’s family background. These disparities become even more pronounced as students progress through their educational journey. While children from academic households are significantly more likely to enroll in and successfully complete a degree program, the proportion of students from non-academic families decreases noticeably with each subsequent level of education. This social disparity becomes particularly evident by the time students reach the doctoral level. Various studies show that significantly fewer people from non-academic families are represented here than those from academic households.

The Graduate School offers numerous programs aimed at all master’s and doctoral students, but designed specifically to support first-generation students: “We take their situation into account in our programs and want to provide support where there is a lack of guidance, uncertainty, and unequal access to resources,” explains Dr. Nadine Dablé of the Graduate School.

Through the Qualification Fund, doctoral students can apply for financial support to attend academic conferences or undertake research stays. “Those who otherwise could not afford a conference are given the opportunity to first observe how academic exchange works, make contacts, and gradually prepare their own contributions,” explains Dr. Nadine Dablé. This funding can be applied for twice a year.

In addition to financial support, professional development opportunities also play a central role. The so-called Qualification Hub at the Leuphana Graduate School brings together key support services for doctoral students. Interdisciplinary skills are crucial in everyday academic life but are often not part of specialized training: presenting one’s own research, speaking confidently in front of an audience, academic writing, or strategically planning one’s future career. Topics such as self-management and navigating the job market are also addressed.

Another important component is counseling services. They help clarify one’s own motivation, reflect on career paths, and plan concrete next steps. “Those who are still unsure whether a doctorate is the right path can seek advice: What is your motivation? What hurdles do you see? How can you overcome these hurdles?” explains Dr. Monika Tschense. She is a postdoctoral researcher in the Research Methods Working Group at the Institute for Sustainability Psychology as well as a consultant at the Graduate School and the Office for Gender Equality.

The “Leadership in Society and Business” certificate from the Graduate School is a qualification program specifically designed for advanced doctoral students, preparing them for leadership roles outside academia. The program focuses on how to develop a distinct professional profile by combining subject-specific expertise with interdisciplinary skills. “This also involves a self-assessment: Where am I right now, and how can I move forward from here in a targeted way?” explains Dr. Monika Tschense. The program combines various components: In workshops, participants acquire skills in leadership, communication, and project management. Additionally, they continue to refine their own professional profiles through individual and peer reflection.