Who are the leaders who are actively opening doors to the academic community, and support individual's future plans, regardless of destination? Let us introduce one of them: Manuela Temmer, Astrophysicist and Associate Professor at the University of Graz since 2016, where she leads the Heliospheric Physics Research Group.
Here are her three answers to our three questions.
1) How do you support colleagues earlier in their career and why do you do it?
Especially for early-career scientists, I see how important it is to highlight perspectives for their career path. I see many struggling to find their way in the complex landscape of science – careers in academia are not always linear. In seminars, I therefore like to have open discussions in peer groups of Master or PhD students, offering them a platform to exchange information and expectations for shaping individual futures. In science, well-functioning networks and building relationships with other research groups play a crucial role. That is why I open my networks to early career colleagues, supporting them in becoming an active member of a community. It is not only about providing academic guidance but often also offering support with important personal and professional decisions, such as the question of whether a postdoc abroad makes sense, or how long funding through third-party grants is realistic. Also to openly discuss about working in private sector after finishing studies, as still many define leaving science as „failure“.
At a university we offer unique training and education, giving students skills for life and not for a particular content such – as in my profession – Astrophysics. Solution oriented and critical thinking is in times of fake news, AI and Co. the most important skill for us as society!
2) What do you personally get out of your engagement as a mentor and supervisor?
For me, being a mentor first and foremost means approaching people with an open mind and enjoying the exchange of ideas. To me, mentoring means passing on my professional experience while simultaneously learning from others, often younger colleagues. From my senior position, this mutual enrichment constantly shows me the challenges early career scientists face when trying to gain a foothold in science. The financial situation is currently not the best. Science skepticism is something that we face as society too. Therefore, I am convinced that motivated early career scientists can have strong influence on their generation, to keep society open minded, critical and staying curious.
It is up to the next generation to build new expertise – and up to us senior scientists to actively support this growth and pass on our experience. We need to establish a life-long learning culture. Hence, mentoring is also an investment in the future for me.
3) What helped you the most in your own leadership development, and what would you suggest to others who are starting out on their leadership path?
I too have used the experience of my senior colleagues to start building my own network. I am therefore extremely grateful to the international heliophysics community for having been so open to and supporting early career scientists – and for continuing to do so. A few years ago, I decided to further educate myself in putting my mentoring, coaching and supervising experience I gained so far on a solid foundation. I accomplished an Uni4Life course on becoming a mentor, where I made great experience and could learn within an experienced mentor-mentee program.
As humans, we learn through connection. Mentoring does not only happen in formal structures – which for sure helps – but it often emerges organically in everyday interactions. Casual conversations, shared challenges, and mutual support quietly shape how we grow, often without us even realizing we are mentoring or being mentored. Everybody can do it, and can start by being an active listener, giving constructive feedback and share experience with others.
Thanks a lot, Manuela Temmer, for taking the time to answer our questions!
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. More here.
Picture credit: Uni Graz/Schweiger, Interview: Johanna Stadlbauer, RCC, 1.7.2026