Core Event: First Generation Docs Connect

• Tuesday, 02 June 2026

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Objective: Peer network and event series. For doctoral researchers from non-academic families.

“Are your parents academics?” The answer to this question has a higher impact on education and academic careers than migration background and gender. 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.

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Event Details

When: June 02, 4pm-7pm

Where: Beach Mitte, Caroline-Michaelis-Str. 8, 10115 Berlin

Registration: Registration is open: click here! The registration system is hosted by the Dahlem Research School.

This is an event primarily for doctoral researchers with a non-academic family background. Invited guests with similar 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 Clara Gutjahr, first-gen doctorate student at TU Berlin, volunteer for Arbeiterkind.de (Arbeitskreis Promotion) Lito Kyriakidou, first-gen doctorate student at FU Berlin Raphaël Létourneau, first-gen doctorate student at FU Berlin Prof. Dr. Monika Huesmann, first-gen professor at HWR Berlin
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.

Partipants:

First Generation Docs Connect is designed for doctorate 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.

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Network:

This is the founding event for a peer network of first-generation academics who are pursuing their doctorates at a member university of the Berlin University Alliance (Freie Universität, Humboldt-Universität, Technische Universität, Charité). If you would like to take an active role in planning the network, please contact us.