Parenting in Academia

How do you combine an academic career with parenting young children? For many early‑career researchers, this is a daily challenge: from lack of sleep and unpredictable childcare to publication pressure and implicit expectations within academia, particularly during the early years of parenthood. Questions around gender inequality and career progression also play a part.

During two events, academic parents and experts will share their experiences: What obstacles did they encounter? What genuinely helped? And what is needed to combine parenthood with a sustainable academic career? Together, we will reflect on what can change at the institutional and cultural levels.

Listening session

When: Monday 11 May 2026, 12-1pm
Where: Agora (FSW)

In this YAL listening session, Leiden “academic parents” share their experiences: what obstacles did they face, what really helped, and what is needed to better combine parenting with a sustainable academic career? Together, we’ll discuss what’s working well at the institutional and cultural levels and what can (or must) change.
More information on how to register will follow soon. 

Parenting in Academia

When: Tuesday 12 May 2026, 10am-4pm
Where: PLNT

This is a workshop organized by YAL at the of the Academia in Motion Symposium and Townhall meeting.

Speakers: Marieke Adriaanse (Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, department of Public Health and Primary Care), Peter Bos (Institute of Education and Child Studies), Mariska Kret (Cognitive Psychology Unit), Merith Cohen de Lara (Resilient Parenting). Moderators: Martin Berger (Faculty of Archaeology), Julia Henrich (Health Campus den Haag). 

Click here for more information and registration