The online platform Science|Business did a series of short interviews about the current reports of Der Spiegel and DW (see our post about that). The platform is generally concerned with the connection of industry, research, and policies that drive innovation. They provide news, analysis, and insights on European research and innovation policies, as well as funding opportunities. Leon Chryssos, as our programmatic officer, spoke with them about how not only the doctoral researchers within the Max-Planck-Society are suffering the reported problems.
Research institutions in Germany, including Max Planck Institutes and traditional universities, are grappling with deeply rooted hierarchical structures that create challenges for doctoral researchers. The power imbalance is stark: professors hold authority as employers and thesis examiners, while researchers often work on short-term, part-time contracts, leaving them vulnerable. Additionally, international researchers face unique vulnerabilities as their visas, stipends, and funding are often tied to their positions, deterring them from reporting misconduct or workplace issues. Support systems for doctoral candidates are often inadequate, with significant variations in quality and accessibility. Many researchers, particularly internationals, struggle to connect with university networks or student representation. Existing complaint mechanisms frequently lack independence and confidentiality, leading to breaches of trust and discouraging individuals from voicing concerns.
The recent bullying scandal within the Max Planck Society has once again brought attention to these vulnerabilities. But this problem is „well-known and little described or investigated formally,” said Nicola Dengo, vice president of EuroDoc, the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers. “Being in academia, you start to get used to this, but it’s not normal.” As the report goes on to mention: In the United Kingdom, a study found in 2020, that 43% of young researchers questioned had experienced harassment or bullying, with 61% having witnessed it already in their academic careers.
Researchers that seek solution for problems in the academic setting can reach out to their local ombudsman. This ombuds system should serve as a confidential and impartial resource for addressing conflicts. But as Hjördis Czesnick points out, “there’s a discrepancy between this gigantic [web] page of counselling offices, and then the many people saying: I didn’t feel helped.” He is the head of the Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany. A comparable structure is present at the Ghent university in Belgium with the same problem: „There is a mismatch between What people expected from the Trustpunt services and what Trustpunt offered,“ said Femke De Backere, “That’s why people do not believe in these mechanisms anymore.” She was a representative for young researchers at the Ghent university.
We highly recommend that you read the full article written by Leonie Klingberg on the website of science|business. If you want to work on solutions to these structural problems in our academic system, reach out to us. We have multiple working groups and area always looking for support in our fight for better research conditions for early career scientist.
