Program Overview

Introduction to the MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes

The MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes is a research institution that offers various programs for students, researchers, and professionals. One of its key initiatives is the navigare program, a career coaching initiative for women in science.

navigare - Career Coaching for Women in Science

The navigare program is a joint initiative by the MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes and several DFG programs. It is designed for women PhD students and postdocs who aim to pursue a professorship or leadership position in the field of science. The program focuses on the development of professional career skills, career management, and addressing gender-specific demands in the science system.

What is navigare about?

The navigare program is focused on the development of the participants' professional career skills in an international context. It aims to provide a framework where participants can bring in their own questions from an international perspective and develop their own career strategies.

Why for female international scientists only?

The program is designed specifically for female international scientists because they contribute greatly to the diversity of the academic landscape. However, they often face additional challenges in their careers, such as different role expectations, intercultural relations, and understanding of career perspectives. The program aims to address these challenges and provide support for women scientists in their career development.

Programme and Registration Process

The navigare program consists of several coaching days, which cover topics such as career path development, self-marketing, cross-cultural collaboration, and networking. The program starts with a kick-off workshop, where participants can meet the trainer and other participants. The binding registration for the program needs to be completed after the kick-off workshop.

Programme Schedule

The program schedule includes the following coaching days:

• Fellows Compass: Hidden rules of the German Academic System
• Career Path between Academia and Economy
• Self-Marketing: Strengthening self-awareness and skills
• Cross-cultural collaboration
• Networking and Tea-Time with Women Professors
• Resilience in stressful communication
• Sustainable dialogues: Professional communication in academic settings

Trainer

The trainer for the navigare program is Dr. Christine Issa, an advisor, trainer, and coach with extensive experience in supporting cross-cultural collaboration in science, economy, and academic development cooperation.

Entrance Requirements

To participate in the navigare program, applicants must demonstrate:

• An above-average commitment to developing their career in science
• Self-responsibility for achieving their objectives
• A high motivation to learn with the group
• Sufficient resources of time and binding participation
• An interest in reflecting gender biases in science

Certificate

At the end of the navigare program, participants will receive a certificate if they attend at least 75% of the seminars.