As part of a three-part lecture series on various dimensions of diversity, the Science and Technology Policy Research Group at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) invites you to another lecture. The series is part of an ongoing gender diversity project and focuses on the topics of diversity in research, diversity in research evaluation, and diversity in academic leadership positions.

The second part of the series will be presented by internationally renowned science sociologist Mathias Wullum Nielsen (Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen). In his research, he focuses intensively on the organization of scientific systems and on the question of how institutional structures, incentive systems, and evaluation cultures reproduce social inequalities and shape scientific careers.

Under the title “Gender, Careers, and Scientific Performance”, Nielsen provides insights into current research in which he combines various data sources and methods—including bibliometric analyses, qualitative interviews with appointment committees and funding agencies, and long-term career data. On this basis, he demonstrates how scientific performance is evaluated, what role specializations and institutional frameworks play, and to what extent these processes can reinforce gender-specific differences in career trajectories.

Insights into Evaluation Structures and Career Trajectories

The lecture makes it clear that academic careers are not determined solely by individual performance, but are significantly influenced by structural and cultural factors within the academic system. In doing so, Nielsen provides important insights for the discussion on how fair and inclusive evaluation and career systems can be designed.

Event Overview

• Title: “Gender, Careers and Scientific Performance”

• Speaker: Mathias Wullum Nielsen

• Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

• Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM

• Location: Augustenstraße 40, Room F1.12

The lecture also serves as the keynote for the STS PhD Colloquium and is part of the Gender Speaker Series. It is aimed at doctoral students, researchers, and anyone interested both within and outside TUM.