Career

This month, the Max Delbrück Center graduated 19 young scientists who have successfully defended their PhD theses this year. The festive ceremony included words of wisdom and encouragement from former graduates, food and a party.

The Max Delbrück Center has once again been awarded the “audit berufundfamilie” certification – an acknowledgment of our commitment to supporting employees through all stages of their lives, whether caring for children or aging parents.

According to a survey conducted by the ‘Sozialwissenschaftliches Institut Schad’, the Max Delbrück Center is one of Berlin's best employers and training companies. A good 600 companies took part in the survey, and around 100 received the award – making them ‘Berlins Beste’.

Two women, one mission: Kathrin Saar, our newly elected Equal Opportunities Officer at the Max Delbrück Center, and her deputy Aileen Cunningham want to make women in science more visible and promote equality within our institution.

On July 4, Max Delbrück Center doctoral students gathered with supervisors, colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate their graduation, a milestone that was years in the making. Graduate Anita Waltho recounts her experience of the event, which brought together a community.

The Zia fellowship supports young female researchers in their professional and personal development. Interested applicants can apply for next year’s fellowship in July and August. Evangelia Nathanail from the Max Delbrück Center is a current fellow — and highly recommends the program.

During the second annual Diversity Week, our community took part in a series of events. They ranged from simulating the environments of disabled people, to discussing the importance of a diverse workplace. The aim was to raise awareness and to foster a welcoming work environment for everyone.

We can learn from failure, yet often we hide our setbacks, especially in our professional lives. At the next SPARK event on September 5, enjoy a piano and violin concert followed by an invigorating discussion between musicians and scientists as they explore the concept of “A CV of failures.”

For some researchers, a career in industry would never be an option. Others appreciate the practical relevancy of working at a company. Postdocs at the Max Delbrück Center can find out which path is right for them through the “Academy meets Industry” program.

In a commentary, Dr. Sofia Forslund of the Max Delbrück Center and her colleagues outlined challenges faced by transgender scientists and presented ideas on how to tackle them. To commemorate Pride Month in Berlin, Forslund discussed the commentary’s genesis and future efforts at greater inclusion.