Researcher-moms at the retreat holding up a sign that says "Cohort 3"

Mothers Leading Science continues to build and support community at its annual gathering

On December 13, a unique group of University of Minnesota researchers gathered for their annual retreat at McNamara Alumni Center. 

Each attendee reckons daily with the confluence of gender, parenthood and professional careers in science and academia. And every year the Mothers Leading Science program brings them together in the spirit of support and gathering.

Unique challenges and concerns

Founded at the University of Minnesota, Mothers Leading Science is a Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) program created specifically for University of Minnesota faculty researchers who are also mothers to young or school-aged children. And it has been, for many attendees, a revolutionary program. 

Addressing issues distinct to researchers who are mothers, such as gender issues in the workplace, cultural norms and expectations for mothers, and building a vibrant career while navigating these and other challenges, the Mothers Leading Science program is like no other.

Over the course of a year, each cohort receives formal training on resilience and wholehearted leadership, and vision to transform health science research to be inclusive and allow everyone to flourish. Participants in the year-long program have grown into a self-sustained community across five colleges at the University, two campuses, and four UMN partner institutions. The community comes together annually at the Mothers Leading Science Alumni Retreat to welcome the latest graduating cohort into the network. 

Each retreat features skills building activities for ongoing learning, and keynote speakers presenting on topics particular to both their personal and professional experiences as mothers and leaders in science.

Addressing both the personal and professional

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Rachel Patzer, President and CEO of the Regenstrief Institute, a leading organization in developing health systems across communities. Patzer is also a research scientist for the William M. Tierney Center for Health Services Research within the Regenstrief Institute, the Leonard Betley Professor of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and a Professor at the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health.

Bringing a wide array of research, teaching and leadership experience, Patzer spoke in depth on such topics as her journey to becoming President and CEO, how to support and encourage a diverse research team while in a leadership position, and navigating the tenure process in an academic institution, all while fulfilling one of her most valued identities of mother. 

A core element of Mothers Leading Science’s ongoing gatherings and seminars is giving cohort members a chance to connect with women like Dr. Patzer, to ask questions that go beyond the professional and into the personal.

Attendees posed questions like how to deal with sexism and biases in the workplace as a leader or team member, balancing family and maternal concerns when making big career decisions, and more. These questions reveal the challenges many women in science have and continue to navigate throughout the entirety of their careers. And Dr. Patzer, like all Mothers Leading Science speakers, was open and candid in her responses. 

It was an experience these annual attendees have come to expect, and look forward to. 

More than a training program

Mothers Leading Science has grown into a prestigious leadership development program that prepares faculty researcher-moms to become future institutional leaders capable of transforming health science research, while navigating unique challenges and pressures both in the workplace and at home.

The Mothers Leading Science program isn’t just about talks and seminars. It is a vehicle for drawing together members of the scientific community all dealing with similar challenges and concerns, and giving them a way to come together to learn, connect, and grow.

Mothers Leading Science will begin accepting applications for the next cohort in June. To get notified when applications open, join CTSI’s email list. You can also email [email protected] for more information about the program.

Rachel Patzer speaking and retreat attendees writing on paper.