How to navigate power dynamics in the university: Insider advice

Target group: all researchers with a PhD

Content:

How does money and power work in academia? Who makes the decisions at the university? How can you access information flows? How can you make sure your voice is heard and gain influence? What are the secrets to getting the resources you need for your research and career?

These questions and more will be answered in conversation with a former Vice-Rector of twelve years, retired professor of chemistry Renate Dworczak.

She will share critical situations from her own experience as a researcher and in university leadership, and she is open for all your questions.

This is your chance to talk to someone who was involved in strategic planning, governance, and decision-making for more than a decade, and gain strategies to maximise opportunities for your own career.

Schedule:

1. Welcome by Johanna Stadlbauer, RCC

2. Intro round of participants

3. Presentation by Renate Dworczak

4. Q & A - questions (from pad and spontanous) 

Pad for collecting questions:

You can post questions anonymously before the talk (by Feb 25, noon): Expert Talk Feb 2026-keep | Riseup Pad

About the expert: 

Ao.Univ-Prof. Dr. Renate Dworczak, retired professor of organic chemistry, was until 2022 special representative of the rectorate for gender equality and diversity. She has served as Vice-Rector for Staff, Staff Development and Equality for three four-year terms and prior to that was chair of the AKGL (Arbeitskreis für Gleichbehandlungsfragen/ Working Group for Equal Opportunities).

Location:

Universitätsarchiv (University Archives), Universitätsplatz 3/TG, 8010 Graz, https://archiv.uni-graz.at/de/ 

Register here: Training und Weiterbildung - Research Careers Campus Graz