CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter
Cluster of ExcellenceCUI: Advanced
Imaging of Matter
Imaging of Matter
New webinar series on mental health
2 October 2024
Photo: Pixabay
The Clusters of Excellence at the University of Hamburg have joined forces to provide a more extensive webinar offer on mental health. Together with Academic Mental Health & Well-being Consultant Desiree Dickerson, “CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter”, "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society”, “Quantum Universe” and “Understanding Written Artefacts” created an exciting series of three webinars for all status groups that will run this fall.
In the past, there have been individual initiatives on the topic of mental health in all clusters, e.g. most recently at the CUI annual meeting, which offered space for discussion following a keynote speech in the plenary session. The webinars now offer the opportunity to obtain more detailed information and discuss open questions. Each webinar begins with a 45-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. A handout will be provided after each webinar. Anonymous participation via Zoom is possible. The webinars will be held in English:
Facing Uncertainty
24 October 2024, 10:00 am
Academic life is a precarious one for many. Contracts are short-term, mobility is expected, and the future feels outside our control. We are forever facing new challenges and constant change. Arguably, that is part of what we love most about academia. But over time, the uncertainty and instability of the situation can take a toll. Worry, doubt and fear can begin to settle in. This webinar explores how to
- give yourself permission (to be where you are and feel what you feel!),
- navigate uncertainty and worry,
- make micro-changes to maintain a solid emotional and mental foundation,
- recognize the controllable from the uncontrollable, and learn where to spend your emotional and mental energy,
- fill your bucket when life is constantly emptying it.
Strengths & Values
26 November 2024, 9:30 am
We spend a lot of time focusing on our weaknesses in the hope of improving our skills. But what about our strengths? Research tells us that we can enjoy our work and achieve more when we pay attention to our strengths. Also, how our work aligns with our values has a direct impact on our joy and motivation for our work. This webinar explores
- how to identify and play to our strengths,
- and how to use our values as a compass.
Isolation & Belonging
5 December, 9:30 am
Academic life can be an isolating experience for many people. For some, the role requires them to live far from home. For others, the workload can impact significantly on their ability to socialize and maintain relationships. This webinar explores
- the most common sources of isolation and loneliness in academia.
- Why is isolation so bad for us? Threatening our sense of belonging and identity.
- How we can begin to change it – concrete tools to increase our sense of belonging within the academic and local community through creating a sense of safety, connection and common threads.
Desiree Dickerson
...is a former postdoctoral researcher in the neurosciences and a clinical psychologist who specializes in academic mental health and wellbeing. A former researcher herself, she works with leading academic institutions, lab groups, and academics themselves in the pursuit of a healthier approach to research.
Desiree Dickerson has also contributed to the dialogue around mental health and well-being in academia through recent pieces in Nature and Science on imposter syndrome, perfectionism, grad school mental health and Mental health strategies during Covid.
