The second networking event was hosted by Freie Universität Berlin in the event space on the top floor of its building at Fabeckstraße 23/25.

The thematic section of the event was moderated by Dr. Martina van de Sand on the topic of micropolitics entitled "Tenure-Track Professors – Equal or Unequal?" The discussion focused on the everyday balancing act required of tenure-track professors, resulting from the fact that they are both junior scholars seeking to qualify for a permanent professorship, while also belonging to the same status group and having essentially the same tasks to perform as a full professor. The discussion addressed what this means for relationships among academics. Are differences noticeable when it comes to speaking in and influencing committees, recognition in academic collaborations, and the distribution of teaching and administrative tasks? Does the fact that more established colleagues may later be involved in interim and tenure evaluations influence how tenure-track professors behave towards them? Dr. Martina van de Sand initiated the discussion on a panel that included Professor Theresa Roth (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) and Professor Franziska Hausmann (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin) as newly appointed tenure-track professors, Professor Birgit Beck (Technische Universität Berlin) as a former tenure-track professor, and Professor Christian Thomsen (Technische Universität Berlin, president from 2014 to 2022) as a long-standing professor. She then opened the discussion to the audience, which resulted in a lively exchange between all parties.

The second part of the event offered two options: Firstly, guests had the chance to find out more about peer mentoring. Our mentoring expert Carmen Kurbjuhn, who had supported the setting up of peer mentoring groups from the outset, moderated presentations given by existing groups and helped participants find a suitable group or set up one of their own. The other option was to chat with fellow tenure-track professors over coffee and finger food. The open space made it possible to switch between the two offers and to come and go freely, enabling all participants to benefit according to their interests and their availability. A poster wall was set up where participants could suggest dates and topics for the next networking event.

Check out our photo gallery.