The participation of early career researchers in the decision-making bodies of a German university

Abstract

In the European higher education landscape, Early Career Researchers (ECRs) often face exclusion from participating in the university decision-making bodies (department, faculty, senate level). This paper aims to address the following research questions: to what extent is the participation of ECRs in decision-making bodies ensured, and what are the gender promotion policies within German universities, specifically focusing on a university in the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia? These inquiries are in line with the thematic scope of the special issue dedicated to examining the gendered and intersectional invisibility of researchers, evaluating participation while understanding the intersectional profile of Early Career Researchers (ECRs). The problem statement delves into thematic areas encompassing policies, legal frameworks, and practices, critically analysing their impact on ECR representation within the decision-making structures of the German Higher Education System. The paper utilises a qualitative research approach, conducting a comprehensive thematic content analysis of relevant sources such as websites, institutional documents, and governmental publications. This method aims to provide a detailed understanding of the context under study. Initial findings indicate a significant exclusion of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from decision-making bodies. However, the implementation of a Gender Equality Plan overseen by federal states has initiated a shift towards achieving more equitable representation within higher education governance structures. The necessity for rectifying under-representation is discussed using a postcolonial intersectional perspective to flag the power relations in academia (Mählck, 2018).