Join an insightful seminar exploring the imposter phenomenon, a common experience of self-doubt and fear of being exposed despite success, and discover practical strategies to overcome it in academic life.
Healthy Minds in Academia: 2025 Event Series
Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon Thursday, September 18 | 15:00–16:00 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Tijana Perovic
What’s this about?
Even the most accomplished researchers can feel like they don’t belong.
The imposter phenomenon — sometimes called imposter syndrome — describes a persistent sense of self-doubt, fear of being exposed as a fraud, and difficulty internalizing success, despite clear evidence of competence. It’s common in high-achieving environments like academia, and it often comes with anxiety, low self-esteem, and burnout.
In this 1-hour seminar and facilitated discussion, Dr. Tijana Perovic will explore how imposter feelings show up in academic life and what we can do to manage them.
This online session will cover:
How common imposter experiences are in the academic world
The core features of imposter phenomenon, especially in research and university settings
Psychological insights into its causes and contributing factors
Evidence-based strategies to reduce self-doubt and build confidence
Whether you’ve struggled with these feelings yourself or want to better support others, this seminar offers an informed, compassionate space to start the conversation.
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.
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