The Research Careers Campus Graz showcases people and networks which shape our research environment here in Graz - towards a more collegial, friendly and diverse academia, where all research talents can thrive.
Today, we showcase two members of the network “Motherhood and Science”, Lara Trussardi and Sarah Lindner. Here are three answers to three questions!
1. What is your activity called and why does it exist?
We are a subgroup of the (German) network "Mothers & Academia" (Mutterschaft & Wissenschaft) and we want to promote the visibility of mothers* and those who are unpaid caregivers.
It is unfortunately still true that there are discriminations against this category also at the academia level. We thus created the mentioned local group, where all mothers* in academia could share their experiences, actively work on steps that could improve the current situation so that we will all pursue our professional passion while taking care for our loved ones. Currently the group is a joint project with the Med Uni and soon we hope to extend it also to TU Graz and Kunst Uni.
2. What do you personally get out of your engagement with it?
As we are both mothers who work in academia, we know first-hand how hard it can be to combine academic- and family life. We want to change the situation not only for ourselves but also for generations to come.
The feeling we had after our meetings was always great: you do not feel alone in your struggles and fights. You feel that you belong to a community that supports you and appreciates what you do. You feel that you are strong and what you do is important.
3. Why should others join and how can they join?
The more people join our network, the more ideas for change arise and the momentum increases to set definitive action towards building an academic environment that includes mothers*.
You can get in touch with us sending en email to "mutterschaft.wissenschaft@uni-graz.at". We will include you in our email list. And if you have any particular topic you would like to discuss with other mothers*, we will more than happy to organize an event on the specific topic together.