Date: 9. April 2026, 10:00 till 12:00h
Place: Online, Login-Date will be send to registered individuals shortly before the talk
Trainer:in: Jessica Stazzone Manazza
Exploring neurodiversity and neurodivergence in a sensitive and professional way.
Although the term 'neurodiversity' has become increasingly prominent in recent years, it still raises many questions. What exactly do we mean by it? Join us for this online talk, where we explore the reality of how we think, perceive and interact with the world, moving beyond buzzwords.
The term 'neurodivergence' covers a broad spectrum, including autism spectrum, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyslexia and much more. Although not visible 'from the outside', it can manifest in different ways in everyday life, studies and professional life and can lead to impairments ranging from minor to severe. Neurodivergent people differ from neurotypical people in how they process information and perceive environmental influences, as well as in how they control aspects such as concentration and self-regulation.
This makes neurodivergence a highly relevant topic, especially in professional and educational contexts.
What we’ll explore together:
This session is designed to gain an initial insight into the topic and to sensitively explore the diversity and complexity of neurodivergence. It is not just a lecture—it is an interactive space where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion.
Neurodiversity is not a niche topic, but a fundamental part of the human diversity.
Registration via the Qualification-Portal: https://qualifizierung.uni-jena.de/pages/coursedescription.jsf?courseId=85245035&catalogId=80638231&locale=deExternal link
If you have trouble registering please contact the coordination office of the WKJ Network: verbund.wkj@uni-jena.de
Date: 07. May 2026, 9:00 till 16:00h
Place: SR Accouchierhaus, Jenergasse 8
Trainer: Antje Rach
Raise your hand! How to follow your path with self-confidence. A workshop for female scientists
Recognizing obstructive patterns of thought and behaviour and enabling change
In almost all areas of life, traditional gender roles are dissolving. However, only around 20-25% of top positions are held by women – in industry as well as in academia. Women still have a hard time to break the glass ceiling. Moreover, after starting a family, many of them unintentionally fall back into the classical role patterns. Even highly qualified women are often left out at a certain level. Why is that? What part do external structures and role expectations play in this – and what strategies and actions do women use to hinder themselves?
In the workshop we will get to the bottom of these questions against the background of social and structural conditions on the one hand and our own biographies on the other. We analyse internal and external success factors for a successful career and reflect on ourselves: Which of these factors – in the form of resources, skills or beneficial thought and action patterns – do I already have; which may be needed or missing? Which of my own beliefs and patterns are preventing me from performing, asserting myself and getting ahead? How can I dissolve these or constructively integrate them into my path in such a way that change becomes possible?
Contents at a glance:
Registration via the Qualification-Portal: https://qualifizierung.uni-jena.de/pages/coursedescription.jsf?courseId=84891197&catalogId=80638231External link
If you have trouble registering please contact the coordination office of the WKJ Network: verbund.wkj@uni-jena.de
Date: 20 and 21 May 2026, 09:00 till 13:00h
Place: Online, Login-Date will be send to registered individuals shortly before the workshop
Trainer:in: Dr. Emma Geoffray
Are you struggling as a minority researcher? Women, people of color, expats, LGBTQAI+ and neurodivergent individuals often face unique and amplified challenges. Some attempt to cope by minimizing their identity, hoping to fit in, while others rely solely on themselves to overcome difficulties—strategies that can leave them feeling even more isolated or unwelcome.
Our approach empowers you with research-backed tools to overcome internal pressures, like imposter syndrome, and external obstacles, such as unconscious bias and microaggressions. You’ll explore ways to strengthen your sense of belonging and well-being in academia, equipping you for success despite systemic and psychological barriers.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
• Understanding who is a minority in science and why intersectionality matters,
• Recognizing when stereotype threat might affect your academic performance,
• Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt effectively,
• Reducing stress and preventing burnout with flexible coping strategies,
• Addressing bias and macro- or microaggressions,
• Enhancing well-being and mental health with evidence-based tactics,
• Mastering conflict resolution and assertive communication,
• Developing and strengthening your support network.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll gain practical tools to face and overcome pervasive challenges in academia. Imagine feeling empowered to confidently step into your role in the academic community. Join us to strengthen your sense of belonging as you pursue your academic career.
This is a two-day workshop with 4 hours per day.
Registration via the Qualification-Portal:
https://qualifizierung.uni-jena.de/pages/coursedescription.jsf?courseId=85551723&catalogId=80638231External link
If you have trouble registering please contact the coordination office of the WKJ Network: verbund.wkj@uni-jena.de
Date: 7 July 2026, 09:00 till 15:30h
Place: Online, Login-Date will be send to registered individuals shortly before the workshop
Trainer:in: Dr. Annika Bartsch
The aim of this workshop is to identify participants' own professional and personal skills and to clarify how suitable job profiles can be found on the German non-academic job market. Particular attention is paid to gender-specific challenges in career orientation and job design, as well as the compatibility of work and family life.
Workshop goals
Methods:
Registration via the Qualification-Portal: https://qualifizierung.uni-jena.de/pages/coursedescription.jsf?courseId=82482491&catalogId=80638231&locale=en-gbExternal link
If you have trouble registering please contact the coordination office of the WKJ Network: verbund.wkj@uni-jena.de
Date: 15. October 2026, 9:00h till 17:00h
Place: Room to be announced
Trainer: Dr. Emma Geoffray
Are setbacks and failures in your research causing frustration? Early career researchers often encounter obstacles that can feel daunting, and conventional advice may seem superficial or misaligned with academia's unique demands, leaving many feeling discouraged. The right tools, however, can transform these hardships into opportunities for growth.
Our method offers research-backed approaches to build resilience and adopt a growth mindset, helping you navigate the ups and downs of academia with confidence. You’ll develop adaptable, practical strategies to bounce back after challenges and build a mindset that fosters long-term success and satisfaction.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have practical tools to foster resilience and a growth mindset that will sustain you throughout your academic career. Imagine a future where you meet challenges with confidence, view setbacks as growth opportunities, and maintain a balanced life. Join us to build the resilience you need to succeed in academia.
Registration via the Qualification-Portal:
https://qualifizierung.uni-jena.de/pages/coursedescription.jsf?courseId=85551768&catalogId=80638231&locale=deExternal link
If you have trouble registering please contact the coordination office of the WKJ Network: verbund.wkj@uni-jena.de
Promoting equal opportunities for female and male scientists is a concern of the German Research Foundation. In order to implement this goal at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Scientists and Career Jena Network (Wissenschaftler:innen und Karriere Jena, WKJ) was established. Its task is to bundle the equal opportunity funds provided for coordinated research programmes and to use them for targeted and tailored measures.
All network members benefit from the central pooling of funds, because the targeted use of funds allows them to realize larger, joint projects. This is particularly true for smaller member institutions as it allows them to benefit from and participate in the implementation of larger measures.
On the basis of an annual needs analysis, the WKJ network realizes, among other things, the mediation, organization and implementation of the following measures:
Working alongside the Vice-President for University Community and Engagement of Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the coordination office mediates the needs of its network members. This includes an annual evaluation of whether the objectives of individual and network measures were achieved.
Contact:
Coordination Office of the WKJ network – Judith Malsam
The WKJ network was founded on 1 November 2020 by three of the University’s collaborative research centres (SFB/TR 234 CataLight, SFB 1076 AquaDiva, SFB 1127 ChemBioSys) and the CSP OrganAge clinician scientist programme (University Hospital Jena and Medical Faculty). In January 2021, the collaborative research centre SFB/TR 124 FungiNet joined the network. The network also plans to include other DFG programmes in the future.
At the WKJ network meeting on 6 November 2021, unanimous approval was given to add a new member effective from 1 July 2021: FOR 3004 SYNABS.
In October 2021, the network was joined by the research training group ‘Modell Romantik’ (Romanticism as a Model) and the collaborative research centre Transregio SFB TRR 294 ‘Structural Change of Property’.
In October 2022, the network was also joined by the Excellenzcluster EXC 2051 Balance of the Microverse.
In the year 2023, the GRK 2792 Autonomie heteronomer Texte in Antike und Mittelalter and the Research Training Group RTG 2723 Materials - Microbes - Microenvironments become members of the network.
In April 2024, the network welcomed the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) in their ranks.
In 2025, the Research Training Group RTG PhInt - Photo-polarizable interfaces and membranes joined the network.
In the beginning of the year 2026, the network welcomed the Research Training Group 3136 NeurInfect in their ranks.
Founding document of the network WKJ, yellowish green leaves in the background
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
