Articles | Volume 9, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-9-345-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-9-345-2026
Research article
 | Highlight paper
 | 
17 Aug 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 17 Aug 2026

Towards family-friendly conferences: results from a first survey in the geosciences

Elena Päffgen, Lisa Schielicke, and Leonie Esters

Video abstract

Towards Family-Friendly Conferences Elena Päffgen https://doi.org/10.5446/73727

Download
Editorial statement
This manuscript gives insight into barriers and difficulties faced by parents in academia wanting to participate in conferences, laying the foundation for dialogue between parents and conference organizers.
Short summary
Balancing academic careers and family responsibilities presents significant challenges, particularly for early-career researchers attending conferences. These events are essential for professional development but often create logistical difficulties for parents. Based on a survey of geoscientists, we show that parents require more support and non-parents largely approve of family-friendly measures. We provide practical guidelines to help conference organizers support researchers with families.
Share
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint