Mental health and well-being in academia
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
“Here is some bad news: we have a mental health crisis in academia.”
(Kafedjiska/Heckmann/Pires et al. 2022)
A new meta study (Dreisoerner et al., 2026) shows that “the prevalence of depressive symptoms [among early-career resarchers] was approximately two to three times higher and anxiety symptoms three to five times higher than in age-matched general-population samples.” At the same time, Kafedjiska and colleagues argue that this is not primarily due to individual predispositions, but demonstrate that systemic factors have a substantial impact on researchers’ well-being.
In this workshop, we will take a closer look at the connection between mental health and the system academia. Together, we will explore which structural conditions, (supposed) traditions and prevailing attitudes can affect mental health and well-being. Participants will be introduced to the concept of Slow Science and invited to reflect on how researchers may themselves contribute to maintaining existing structures through their behavior, and what could be changed. Finally, participants will be encouraged to assemble a personal “first aid kit” to help them respond to future mental health challenges in academia.
If participants wish, the workshop offers space to share personal experiences. However, there is no obligation to do so.
Objectives:
- Learn about the impact of academic structures on mental health
- Reflect on one’s own role within the academic system and identify room for action
- Develop individualised prevention measures and coping strategies for possible mental health challenges during the doctoral or postdoctoral phase
Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
Diese Veranstaltung findet in englischer Sprache statt. // This event will be held in English.