I3 – Interaction, Identity, and Carrer Intentions in Academia

Researching the Role of Social Interaction on Identity and Career Intentions in Early Career Researchers

Project partners at the University of Hamburg:
Prof. Dr. Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock
Dr. Clara S. Hemshorn de Sanchez
Martina B. Engel, M. Sc.

Project partner at WHU Düsseldorf:
Prof. Dr. Fabiola Gerpott

Description:
The doctoral phase is a crucial period in which early career researchers form their an academic identity and carve out their career path. This project investigates how social interactions in academic settings during this phase influence early career researchers’ academic identity and career intentions. The focus is on relevant academic contexts that may shape how early career researchers identify with academia and the extent to which they envision themselves as part of academia in the long term.

In two field studies and one intervention study, we analyze interaction dynamics in different academic contexts. Namely, we examine panel discussions at conferences as well as one-on-one supervision meetings between professors and doctoral researchers. In addition, we test the effects of a micro-intervention among doctoral researchers.

The project contributes to a better understanding of the role of social interactions in academic socialization and aims to identify actionable behavioral levers that can ultimately contribute to a more open, equitable, and resilient academic system.

Project duration:
2026–2030

Funding:
German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft, DFG)