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Hall of Femmes

A moment with...
Dr Anna-Lena Berscheid

“I studied Journalism, Gender Studies and Science & Technology Studies (STS) in Berlin and Vienna and completed a PhD in Sociology at Paderborn University. Since 2020, I’ve been a consultant in the Research Careers group at the German Research Foundation (DFG).”

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...the proximity to research, – minus the exposure to precarious working conditions – and the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the research system as a consultant.

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...Actually, there have been many highlights, because I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to travel to numerous great conferences, which has enabled me visit interesting places and meet inspiring colleagues.

(3) When I look back on my career so far, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...networking with other researchers at all career levels and the total freedom I’ve had in structuring my work.

(4) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
…network well and not take anything lying down.

(5) Networking with other women during my studies and in my research and work is important for me because…
...structural problems can only be overcome collectively, and not individually. It’s important to realise that your problems are not singular.

One achievement that I attribute to this mutual networking and support is...
...the fact that through networking I realised that I wasn’t alone in experiencing unfair treatment, but that other colleagues had or were also experiencing it.

(6) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
...good infrastructures, short distances and a great travel expenses office 😉

(7) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
...to help make the city and region more attractive for researchers coming from elsewhere.

(8) As a positive effect of the “Hall of Femmes” for readers, I hope that...
…they recognise the vast opportunities out there for women.

(9) To conclude, I’d like to share the following with “Hall of Femmes” readers:
Don’t take anything lying down!

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