Workshop: Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other in CORE
Mental health in academia is often discussed in hushed tones - if at all. But at CORE Collective, we believe that well-being is a shared responsibility and a topic worth addressing openly. That’s why we hosted a two-part workshop on mental health, burnout, and structural challenges in academic life.
The morning session featured Ann Carøe from IDA, who offered a structural and legal perspective on mental health in academia. Her talk addressed key issues such as workload, expectations, the right to say no, and the responsibility of institutions and supervisors. The session invited open dialogue between early-career researchers and more senior colleagues, creating space for reflection on how we can build healthier academic environments together.
After a shared lunch, the afternoon session was reserved for PhDs, postdocs, and junior researchers. Led by Cæcilie Damgaard Ketil Hejl (SDU), this part of the workshop focused on shared struggles, hands-on strategies, and redefining success on our own terms. Participants were encouraged to speak freely - or simply listen - in a confidential and supportive setting. The session emphasized that many of the challenges faced during a PhD are structural rather than individual, and that solidarity and openness are key to navigating them.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us - and to Alie Lassche and Ida Marie S. Lassen for initiating this important conversation. We look forward to continuing the work of caring for ourselves and each other in CORE.