Explore the signs, causes, and evidence-based strategies to understand, manage, and prevent burnout in the high-stress world of academia.
Healthy Minds in Academia: 2025 Event Series
Basics of Burnout Wednesday, December 3 | 15:00–16:00 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Jelena Brasanac
What’s this about?
Burnout is a state of chronic work-related stress marked by exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. It’s especially common in high-pressure environments like academia, where ongoing demands can take a heavy toll on well-being.
In this 1-hour seminar and facilitated discussion, Dr. Jelena Brasanac will define the key features of burnout, explore why it happens, and share practical, evidence-based strategies to manage symptoms and prevent work-related stress before it becomes overwhelming.
This session will cover:
How widespread burnout is in academic and professional settings
The burnout cycle and actionable steps to interrupt it
Factors contributing to burnout and specific approaches academics can use to protect their mental health
Whether you’re feeling the early signs of burnout or want to foster a healthier work culture, this seminar offers a clear, supportive framework to understand and address burnout effectively.
About Healthy Minds in Academia
Healthy Minds in Academia is an initiative committed to destigmatizing mental health challenges in the academic world. We aim to foster open conversation, promote mental health literacy, and support the well-being of researchers and staff at every stage of their careers.
Founded by IMPRS-IS and University of Tübingen scholars Nina Effenberger and Janne Lappalainen, the initiative continues in 2025 under the care of Sara Sorce (IMPRS-IS Communications Manager), Dr. Carolin Lewis (Tübingen AI Center Coordinator), and Alexandra Witt (IMPRS-IS and University of Tübingen Doctoral Researcher).
Healthy Minds in Academia brings together our research community to talk openly about the challenges we face — from imposter phenomenon to burnout — and the tools we can use to support ourselves and each other.
Who can join?
This event is open to all members of our academic communities, including doctoral researchers, postdocs, faculty, scientists, technical staff, and administrative professionals within the Cyber Valley Eco-System.
No registration is required. Details on how to join will be shared via community mailing lists. The session will be held online, with the option to attend anonymously.
Questions about joining? Just reach out: sara.sorce@tuebingen.mpg.de
Join us for the full 2025 Healthy Minds in Academia Series All sessions are free, online, and open to everyone in our academic community.
Basics of Mental Health Literacy Wednesday, July 2 | 15:00–16:00 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Mary Huff
Imposter Phenomenon Thursday, September 18 | 15:00–16:00 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Tijana Perovic
Rethinking Productivity Thursday, October 23 | 15:00–16:30 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Vicent Botella-Soler
Basics of Burnout Wednesday, December 3 | 15:00–16:00 CET | Online Led by Dr. Jelena Brasanac
Let’s build a healthier, more open academic culture — one conversation at a time.
More information