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Program

The dynaMENT mentoring program is a cooperative project of DESY and MIN faculty of Universität Hamburg, supported by the two clusters of excellence “CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter” and “Quantum Universe”. Female* doctoral researchers of European XFEL, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV, formerly HPI), Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf and Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine are also encouraged to apply. It is designed to accompany female* doctoral researchers as well as junior professors, (junior) research group leaders and postdoctoral researchers of partner institutions through an important phase of their career development. It represents a contribution to increasing the number of women in leading positions at universities and partner institutions. 

The program is designed for a period of 

12 months (dynaMENT doctorate) or

24 month (dynaMENT advanced

and offers highly confidential one-to-one mentoring sessions, networking events, and trainings concerning professional and personal development.

The events are mainly in English. The language in the workshops and between mentees and mentors can be chosen individually between German and English.

The Mentors
The mentors are excellent researchers (professors, group leaders, senior scientists, scientific coordinators) on the Bahrenfeld Research Campus and beyond. All of them provide their support as a mentor voluntarily and additionally to their academic workload. They have international experience and are very supportive in the career development of young researchers. The matching of mentor and mentee is essential for a successful mentoring process. The basis for this are intensive interviews with mentors and mentees.

Why participate?

I mostly hoped to find a supportive mentor. I found that and much more, a strong community, uplifting support, as well as trainings and mentoring that also help me to develop myself further.

Dr. Caroline Heneka, Mentee dynaMENT advanced

Senior Postdoc, Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe

About the program

I am passionate about biomedical research and inspired by the outstanding scientists around me. How do I fit in there? With the help of the dynament peers and my amazing mentor I feel empowered to tackle the challenges I might face pursuing an academic career and to play my strengths. More importantly though, I met incredible women who helped creating a supportive and kind atmosphere to talk about the problems we encounter during our PhD and our worries about the time after - and how to solve (some of) them.

 

Emma Pietsch, Mentee dynaMENT doctorate

PhD Student, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin

What to expect?

As a first-generation woman in science, having a mentor made navigating the academic space easier. The dynaMENT program has also opened up room for introspection and identifying my core strengths as a researcher, and given me a strong sense of community through the peer network while battling social isolation during a global pandemic.

Oindrila Ghosh, Mentee dynaMENT doctorate

University Hamburg

Why Mentoring?

Within just a few months, I feel more confident, courageous, focused, and ready to tackle the challenges of an academic career. Without the support of my mentor, other mentees, and the coaching sessions, I might not have believed I could do this. 

Dr. Katharina-Sophie Isleif, Mentee dynaMENT advanced

Postdoc, DESY

The dynaMENT Network

The dynaMENT programme has given me the opportunity to connect with other women in science, and develop myself with the support of my mentor. Most importantly, it has taught me that I don't have to face challenges alone.

Philine van Vliet, Mentee dynaMENT doctorate

DESY

Development of the Mentoring Program
The basic concept of the Mentoring Program for Women in Natural Sciences, a joint venture of CUI, DESY, MIN Faculty Universität Hamburg, PIER Helmholtz Graduate School, SFB 676 and SFB 925, was established in 2014. The practical implementation of the program started in January 2015. In order to ensure a high standard of quality in developing the concept as well as methods and instruments, the project coordinators worked closely with Universität Hamburgʼs Center for Expert Mentoring during the pilot phase. In 2017 an internal project coordination was established, and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter has been signed up as a new partner. Moreover, the name dynaMENT was found for the program. Since 2019 the program is mainly financed by DESY and MIN faculty Universität Hamburg supported by the two Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced imaging of Matter and Quantum Universe and the cooperation partners European XFEL, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for tropical Medicine and UKE Hamburg.

(*addresses everyone who feels targeted by the “dynaMENT Mentoring for Women in Natural Sciences” including trans, inter and non-binary candidates)

Our Partners

Supported by
  • Logo CUI
  • Logo Quantum Universe
In Cooperation with
  • Logo XFEL
  • Logo UKE
  • Logo HPI
  • Logo MPSD
  • Logo BNITM