Course Type: Welcome Reception

Target Group: Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

Monday, 1 December 2025, 6.00pm–8.00pm, K7
Konstanz Career Week Welcome Reception

Welcome Note
Prof. Dr. Isabell Otto, Vice Rector for Diversity and Academic Staff Development

“Failure and Academic Life: An Uninspirational Talk”

Key note talk by Prof. Joe Moran, Liverpool John Moores University

"In universities, failure is increasingly framed as an opportunity to ‘fail well’ or ‘bounce back better’, as a mere stepping stone on the way to success. Instead, I argue that failure is inevitable in academia because of the non-algorithmic, stochastic nature of the work we do, and because we work in a flawed and iniquitous system. We need to think about failure and success differently, not assume that failure can be eradicated with positive thinking. There are many different forms of success, and of failure. Every academic career is incommensurable with any other and runs on its own tracks to its own destination".

Panel Discussion

The panel discussion will explore failure on various levels, from relevant research findings and personal experiences to broader reflections on setbacks in research and academia. Panel members will share insights into how failures can shape careers, foster resilience, and contribute to scientific progress, providing both practical lessons and thought-provoking perspectives for early-career and more experienced researchers alike.

Panellists: The list of panellists will be following soon.

Moderator: Markus Weißkopf

Networking reception with snacks and drinks.
 
With the kind support of the University of Konstanz Postdoctoral Council and Doctoral Researcher Council.

This event is part of the Konstanz Career Week