FirstGenDocsConnect
First Generation
First-generation academics are less likely to pursue a doctorate than those who come from academic families. In our new project, we support and connect first-generation docs, in order to help them thrive in academia or beyond. In addition you will find an increasing number of smaller events for first generation academics in our workshop program.
For a list of workshops for First Generation academics go here.
Network: First Generation Docs Connect
Peer network for doctoral researchers from non-academic families
“Are your parents academics?” The answer to this question has a high impact on education and academic careers. Consequently, family background as a dimension of diversity has gained attention throughout the last years.
Doctoral researchers with a non-academic family background are in a special situation. Our aim is to support and connect them. “First Generation Docs Connect” will create a framework to share experiences, exchange advice, point out how certain problem are structural rather than individual, enhance visibility of the subject, inform about support options, and build a durable peer network.
Get involved!
Set the agenda of the network, come up with ideas for further events, form a support group of peers, and more! If you are interested in taking an active role in the network and would like to join the network's WhatsApp Community, please contact the GSSP team.
First Gen Docs Connect - Writing Day
Activities
The network is actively planning its next events. You are welcome to get involved!
September 25, 2026: Writing Day – Open Meetup for First Gen Doctoral Researchers
When: 25 September 2026, 9am–1pm
Where: Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum, Auditorium, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 1/3, 10117 Berlin
Description:
The summer is coming to an end, and the new semester is approaching quickly. It is time to reconnect with your writing!
The First Gen Docs Connect network invites first-generation doctoral researchers from across the Berlin University Alliance to a Writing Day. We will begin at 9:00 with a short writing prompt to clear our heads and set our goals for the day. This will be followed by focused writing sessions in a supportive working atmosphere. During the breaks, there will be time to meet and connect with fellow First Gen Docs. Afterwards, everyone who would like to join can have lunch together and visit the HU Docs Café.
Whether you want to reconnect with your dissertation after the summer, make progress on a particular chapter, or simply spend a few focused hours writing alongside others: bring your current project and join us!
This is the first in a new series of monthly Writing Days, organized by the University Library of HU Berlin und the "First Generation Docs Connect" network in the Graduate Studies Support Program of the Berlin Unversity Alliance.
We hope to see you there!
Registration: To help us plan the Writing Day and share relevant organizational information with you in advance, we would appreciate a short registration via LimeSurvey.
August 05, 2026: Social Meetup
When: August 05, 4:30pm-7pm
Where: Treptower Park
Description: Please join us for a relaxed early evening get-together at Treptower Park on 5 August between 16:30-1900. We will share the exact location with you in our WhatsApp group before the event starts. There will be picnic at the riverside and a conversation on the challenges of first-generation doctoral students, and we welcome your contributions to the topic. We also invite you to complement the evening with badminton or table-tennis equipment so people can have a bit of fun while they are at it! We are looking forward to seeing you!
June 02, 2026: Launch Event
When: June 02, 4pm-7pm
Where: Beach Mitte, Caroline-Michaelis-Str. 8, 10115 Berlin
Description: Invited guests with non-academic family backgrounds will share their personal experiences, discuss available support options, and answer your questions. The event offers space to share experiences, build connections, and learn about support opportunities for first-generation doctoral researchers. Anyone interested can join a network and help develop it. All this is taking place in Beach Mitte. Dip your toes into the sand and connect.
Program:
|
4-5 pm |
Panel discussion: Pursuing a doctorate as a first-generation academic
|
|
5-5:15 pm |
Break |
|
5:15-6 pm |
Interactive Session (World Cafe) Collecting and sharing experiences, ressources, issues and ideas |
|
6-6:15 |
Break |
|
6:15-6:45 pm |
Forming the network Planning the network, communication, events and ideas |
|
6:45-7 pm |
Closing session |
|
from 7 pm |
Individual get-together, play beach volleyball, have drinks, meet & discuss |
Language:
The panel discussion will be held in English. Questions and discussions are welcome in English and in German. The interactive part will be organized in English and German groups.
Costs:
Participation is free of charge. Beverages and snacks will be provided during the official part. Who wants to stay longer and (e.g.) play volleyball, should bring their own water or buy their own drinks in the café on the grounds.
Participants:
First Generation Docs Connect is designed for doctoral researchers with a non-academic family background.
Inclusion:
We are ready to support our participants regarding child care, accessibility, and other issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Further Reading
What is special about first generation academics? Why is this a relevant category? Where can I find stories and biographies of first generation academics? Which support structures for first generation academics in a doctorate do exist?
Here is a collection of informative texts about first generation academics and the relevance of family background in academic careers.
Podcast Series „First Gen Doctorates” by Dahlem Research School
Interview Series "Role Models" on the website of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (in German)
Article “Defying injustice – from the life of a first generation doctoral student” on the website of University of Freiburg
Article “Social background as a challenge for doctoral education” on the website of the EUA Council for Doctoral Education
Info page „First Generation PhD“ by Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Association „Arbeiterkind.de“ (in German)
Association „Erste Generation Promotion - EGP e.V.“ (in German)
Podcast „Klassenreisen – wie Herkunft Karriere macht“ (in German)
Video „CHESS lecture: Vom Arbeiterkind zur Professur? Die Macht der sozialen Herkunft“ on the website of Universität Zürich (in German)
Online Event Series „Als Erste:r promovieren“ by Arbeiterkind.de and Leibniz Universität Hannover, open to everyone (in German)
Contact
The network “First Generation Docs Connect” is organized by Dahlem Research School (Freie Universität Berlin) and Humboldt Graduate School (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin).
Contact persons: Aleksandra Skoric and Dr. Karolin Sengebusch