On April 23, 2026, philosopher J.Prof. Dr. Amrei Bahr visited the Institute of Computer Science. In her lecture, she discussed structural challenges within the academic system and their impact on equal opportunity. The event was held as part of the WHATS UB career network for female researchers at the University of Bonn, and the University of Bonn’s Central Office for Gender Equality had extended an invitation to its spring event.
In her lecture titled “Unrealistic Expectations: Why Female Researchers Are Constantly Expected to Do More and How We Can Change That,” Bahr examined key structural factors shaping academic work. She was welcomed by Gabriele Alonso Rodriguez, the University of Bonn’s Chief Equal Opportunities Officer, and by Prof. Dr. Diana Imhof, patron and founder of the WHATS UB career network.
Structures and Interdependencies in the Academic System
The lecture focused on working and career conditions within the academic system. Bahr highlighted what she saw as entrenched power structures: “In universities in particular, we face this problem due to stark dependencies.” She noted that so-called “gatekeeper” structures are especially problematic, as decision-makers often promote individuals who resemble them. Such mechanisms make it difficult to foster diversity and inclusion among researchers.
Work Culture: The Gap Between Expectations and Reality
Under the heading “Geniuses Can Get Away with Anything Socially,” Bahr questioned why heavy workloads and a high degree of flexibility in terms of working hours are often taken for granted in academia. She described challenges such as fixed-term contracts, heavy workloads, and flexible working hours, which are a defining feature of many employees’ lives. In this context, one might sometimes get the impression that taking breaks, going on vacation, or having clearly defined working hours requires justification—a perception further reinforced by the narrative that science is not just a job, but a calling.
Inequalities and their effects
Another key focus was on how these conditions affect different groups in different ways. Bahr argued that women are often particularly affected by existing structures. In addition to the ongoing challenge of balancing an academic career with family responsibilities, they are often assigned additional social and organizational roles in practice, such as caregiving or fostering collegial relationships.
Such dynamics are exacerbated when professional success depends on recommendations, contract renewals, or individual support. In such situations, voicing criticism can pose risks to one’s career.
“We’re afraid this will ruin our careers”
With regard to boundary violations and problematic situations in everyday work life, Bahr explained why those affected do not always address grievances openly. In hierarchical structures, many people feel it is safer not to make problems public at first. She also pointed to the historically established composition of the professorial corps, which in many cases is still predominantly male.
From their perspective, a key starting point is to view gender equality not merely as an individual issue, but as a structural one. Measures such as transparent procedures, reliable career prospects, and safe spaces for dialogue could help to strengthen fair conditions.
Catalysts for change
Under the title “Countering the Rumors About Women,” Bahr argued in *Ausblick* for an open and supportive approach to the stresses of everyday academic life. This includes not treating working hours, breaks, and uncertainties as taboo, and consciously questioning stereotypes among colleagues.
At the same time, she identified potential structural areas for improvement, such as appropriate contract lengths, additional permanent positions, and a greater decoupling of fixed-term contracts from academic advancement—issues that are also widely discussed in the context of science policy and higher education development.
Involvement at the Department of Computer Science
Through events like this, the Institute of Computer Science aims to promote interdisciplinary dialogue on equal opportunity, workplace culture, and structural conditions in academia, and to support the Office of Equal Opportunity in its work. In addition, since 2020, our institute has been home to the working group “Strengthening Gender Equality in Computer Science” (GIDIS), which specifically guides and supports FINTA individuals (women, intersex, non-binary, transgender, and agender people) in their studies and academic work.
