Lunch Talks and Series
Our Lunch Talks provide a flexible way to learn and reflect during the day. You can join while having lunch, take a short break, or even participate while working. Some sessions are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and engage with the speaker. Topics are practical and relevant for work or everyday life.
The 2026 series focuses on mental health in the workplace, offering strategies to manage daily tasks effectively and maintain well-being. Each session aims to support participants in feeling balanced, resilient, and productive. Lunch Talks are held online from 12:00 to 13:00. Access links are sent to registered participants shortly before each event.
Registration is required to participate. Join us to gain insights, take a moment for yourself, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
Lunch Talk Series: Under Pressure – Well(being) at Work
Date: Monday 26.01.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Francesca Carlin
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/ff2772d6c718aa77a4904e7a59d5c394-1530952
Boundaries are deeply personal, and everyone decides their own limits. In this lunchtime talk we’ll reflect on how power dynamics in the university shape our experiences and when “enough is enough”. We’ll also share university resources and ways to explore options if challenges arise, and ideas for supporting yourself.
The Talk will include:
– a PDF of the information on the slides
– Resource list that also includes book recommendations
Date: Wednesday 11.03.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. David Willmes (GraCe)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/0d481fd76ed29bdf05185d7b0fa09e38-1535951
Date: Wednesday 20.05.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Maike Busson-Spielberger (Uniklinik FR)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/7dd194ede3e68a65944bb4b355145c84-1530962
Sie lernen im Lunch Talk mit Maike Busson-Spielberger den Begriff Mikropolitik anhand des Modells von Prof. Daniela Rastetter kennen. Was haben Emotionen, Networking und mein Verhältnis zur Macht mit Mikropolitik zu tun und wie beeinflussen sie meinen Alltag und meine Karriere in der Hochschule?
Date: tba (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: tba
Registration:
Date: 12.11.26 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Prof. Kathrin Wünsch
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/1a7062ca5daa1fdadc39b539ee4f387e-1531838
Female scientists pursuing doctoral degrees and postdoctoral studies often find themselves caught between high performance expectations, time pressure, and constant stress. Mental health often only becomes a focus once stress has already become noticeable—and recommendations such as “exercise more” seem hardly feasible in everyday life.
This Lunch Talk shows in a scientifically manner and practical way how even small amounts of exercise can help reduce stress and promote mental health. The focus is on realistic approaches that can be integrated into everyday working life without additional time pressure. The aim is to arouse curiosity, open up new perspectives, and show feasible ways of using exercise as a resource for mental health in everyday scientific life.
Lunch Talks
Date: Wednesday 25.02.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. Stefanie Speil (Recruiter at SICK AG)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/1a5f92979e75b3934318a5787df59678-1530967
Gain insights from the perspective of an industry recruiter. Learn what recruiters are really looking for in conversations and how they prepare for interviews. Discover the balance between authenticity and presenting your best self, and understand common interview processes.
The session covers practical topics such as reaching out to employees via LinkedIn or networks, handling salary questions and negotiations, and approaching speculative applications. You’ll also hear about teamwork: how teams function, the roles within them, and how to reflect on your own future position in a team. This is a chance to understand the hiring perspective and better navigate your own career path.
Date: Wednesday 22.04.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Markus Hauff (TaxTraining)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/3e2eabcd75b7bc7edf9a76772a540d0c-1530971
Date: Wednesday 17.06.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Markus Hauff (TaxTraining)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/805e018cd6dc5b72f503f779e3147c2e-1530973
Date: Wednesday 01.07.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Oliver Trachte (PR UFR)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/a079c6a5d1eaf5d2c4f2cb326deae7e5-1531794
In this session, we’ll explore how the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act) shapes your academic career in Germany. This law governs the duration of fixed-term contracts for PhD candidates, postdocs, and researchers, setting limits on how long such contracts can last. We’ll dive into essential aspects like parental leave, holidays, and working hours, and how they are regulated under this law. Understanding your rights regarding contract renewals, availability, and possible extensions will be key to navigating the system. Join us for a comprehensive overview, designed to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with academic employment in Germany.
Date: 19.10.26 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. Katrin Frisch
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/ffd9b410d3bf4965bd4afea5fd0baa6a-1533459