On September 26, 2025, researchers from SmallData came together for the first Female Scientist Retreat, organized by our Equity and Diversity spokesperson, Meropi Karakioulaki, Equity & Diversity student assistant, Pablo Zanon; our principal investigator, Nadine Binder; and systemic coach and organizational consultant, Susanne Marx, who also moderated the event.
The retreat opened with an introductory session, where participants shared their professional backgrounds and roles within the CRC. This was followed by a round of “group speed-dating,” giving everyone the chance to dive deeper into their personal journeys and ongoing projects. These exchanges sparked insightful conversations that continued into the first coffee break.
Afterwards, participants reconvened for an impulse lecture by Susanne Marx: “Are there typical female behaviors in professional working situations?” . The discussion touched on common patterns observed among female researchers and the challenges they face. Thoughtful suggestions emerged on how to address these issues, including setting clear boundaries and using assertive communication.
The program then moved into a panel discussion with expert scientists from academia and industry, who shared their career paths and the key factors that shaped their journeys. We extend our gratitude to associated researcher Maria Kalweit, principal investigator Cristina Has, and external guest Mouna Akacha for their inspiring contributions.
In the afternoon, participants joined two breakout sessions. The first divided researchers by career stage (PhD candidates and PhD graduates), while the second mixed participants across levels. Both sessions focused on networking experiences and expectations for female scientists within the CRC. The day’s collaborative discussions concluded with participants gathering to share their insights, resulting in concrete ideas for future networking opportunities.
The retreat ended with a warm closing round, where each participant shared their personal takeaway from the day. We sincerely thank all attendees for their enthusiastic engagement and look forward to building on this momentum in future networking events!
Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics,
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center –
University of Freiburg
