ubmissionsThe network for single parents in German academia is calling for submissions for the very first essay contest for single parents in German academia. Single parents – from student to professors to academic leaders – are invited to share their stories. The prize comes with a sum of 1,000 / 600 / 400 Euros for the three winning essays.

About the essay prize

The German academic system is characterized by precarious and insecure employment conditions. For single parents and parents raising children across separate households, balancing childcare responsibilities with an academic career holds particular challenges. Fixed-term contracts and financial uncertainty, limited flexibility for research and work-related travel, the need to organize reliable childcare or cover additional childcare costs during research stays, and the expectation to change institutions for further career steps such as the habilitation can make it difficult to create and maintain stability for both themselves and their children.

This call for essays invites reflections on the challenges and strategies of single and separated parents navigating academic careers. We are particularly interested in essays that explore how precarious working conditions, institutional structures, mobility requirements, and expectations of academic career progression shape everyday life, career decisions, and experiences of parenthood. We also welcome contributions that highlight forms of resistance, support, solidarity, and alternative ways of organizing academic work and family life. 

This first Germany-wide call was made possible thanks to the Freie Universität Diversity Fonds within the project „Alleinerziehend, aber nicht allein: Wissen_schaf(f)t Vernetzung und Sichtbarkeit an der Freien Universität“.

Until October 18, 2026, single parents can submit their 7-10 pages long essays in either English or German. 

Submissions& Communications: singleparentsacademia-TextEinschliesslichBindestricheBitteEntfernen-@gmail.com

Call für submissions