Published 28 May 2025 by Daniela Thiel
Parenthood in Academia: An Initiative by #LINO24 Alumni
The Lindau Alumni Network recently hosted an insightful online discussion with #LINO24 Lindau Alumni titled “Parenthood in Academia,” addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by researchers balancing family life with academic careers. Two of the organizers shared their ideas behind the initiative to bring this topic onto the agenda.
Amal Abdulrahman, is a mother of two and working as a lecturer at the Department of Higher Secondary Education in Kerala/India, having completed her PhD at Farook College. She is focussing on active galaxies and their high-energy emissions, studying the physical processes that produce these emissions and developing models to understand them.
Oksana Iarygina is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita) in Stockholm/Sweden, originally from Ukraine. She is working in cosmology, trying to understand the first seconds of the universe’s existence – how it evolved and how it all started. During her PhD, she became a mother of two children.
How did you start the initiative about parenthood in academia?
Amal: It started at the Lindau meeting. I spoke with other attending parents, and we shared stories. We realized that we had similar experiences – parenting during a PhD or research work. When I returned home, I felt inspired to create a group. At that point, there was already a WhatsApp group for all #LINO24 participants. I suggested forming a smaller group for people interested in parenting and academia.
Oksana: Exactly. The group began with people interested in sharing ideas and challenges around being a parent in academia. Then we started discussing organizing events – like panel discussions. We realized that there aren’t many platforms that focus on this topic, even though many scientists face similar challenges. So, it became a heartfelt initiative for me.
Was being a parent in academia a topic you discussed with Nobel Laureates at the Lindau meeting?
Amal: I had a deep conversation with Didier Queloz. He said, “When you’re young, it’s the best time to become a parent – you have the energy.” I also met a participant who was a mother of four. It really inspired me. Many parents struggle with guilt – feeling like they’re not doing enough for their research or their families. We talked about this in the group too.
Oksana: I once heard a remark: academia was not designed for families. It’s a system with constant time pressure and short contracts, especially in the early stages of a career. But times are changing — and with them we need structural changes to accommodate young families. This initiative is one step towards making that happen.
How can researchers with families be supported?
Oksana: Having proper maternity leave and institutional support makes a big difference. It varies greatly from country to country. In the U.S., for example, it might be only six weeks. In some European countries, it’s four months, which is a very short period. Parental leave should include fathers as well – it promotes a more equal division of responsibilities, keeps a family connected, and supports both parents in long-term career development.
Additionally, support from your colleagues and supervisors is crucial. And academic breaks – like parental leave – should be normalized. When taken by many, they become an accepted and natural part of an academic career. We need a cultural shift where having children isn’t seen as an obstacle in academia. Feeling supported makes a significant change. It reduces stress and helps you focus.
Amal: We also need more role models – people who are scientists and parents. And we need more women in leadership. When women lead, policies around parenting are often more inclusive. This isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a societal one. We need long-term structural change.
And we must build support systems around us. It’s not always provided, especially for women. I needed help from family, friends and neighbours in addition to paid caretakers to manage both work and parenting. Creating your own support network is key.
What advice would you like to give to scientists who are about to become parents?
Oksana: Build a strong support system – whether it’s institutional, family, or friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’m especially thankful to my supervisor, who supported me through my PhD, and to all supportive colleagues in Leiden and Stockholm.
And let’s not forget the positive side! Children bring joy and balance to our lives. Yes, time becomes limited, but they help protect us from overworking, which can lead to burnout. Caring responsibilities force us to stop working, pause and enjoy the moment, grounding us from academic pressures. Separating work and family also helps ease guilt. When you’re at work, focus on work. When you’re with your children, be fully present. That way, there’s no constant feeling of falling short in either area.
Amal: Exactly! I used to bring work home and never switch it off. Then I realized: work belongs at work, and home is for family. Once I learned that, my brain could rest, and I became happier and more productive.
If your children wished to become scientists, what would you tell them?
Oksana: Follow your curiosity. If you’re passionate about something, it will carry you through hard times. Stay curious and keep asking questions.
Amal: Science can be deeply fulfilling. It brings a sense of joy when you discover something new. That feeling is priceless!
Thank you for the interview!
Young Scientists attending the Lindau Meetings 2025 who are interested in becoming part of the initiative Parenthood in Academia are welcome to contact Amal or Oksana via the Lindau Alumni Network.