Bridging Disciplines: Neuroscience Meets Gender Studies at CRC 1665 Distinguished Lecturer Series

The Distinguished Lecturer Series (DLS) brings together students, researchers, and faculty members in Lübeck and around. This time, we were pleased to welcome Professor Anelis Kaiser Trujillo (University of Basel) as guest speaker. The event opened with a public lecture entitled “Bridging the Gap? Sex/Gender, Neuroscience, and Diversity in Brain Research”. It was held at the Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM) on Thursday, 15th May 2025. 

Professor Kaiser Trujillo’s talk provided a compelling overview of the intersections between neuroscience and gender studies. Drawing on her long-standing work at the interface of these disciplines, she addressed the enduring scientific and political question of how a biological understanding of sex relates to cognition, communication, and behavior. The lecture critically examined how sex and gender are operationalized in neuroimaging studies (particularly fMRI) and how these practices shape, and often constrain, the ways in which human diversity is understood in brain research. By highlighting the tensions between fixed biological variables and socially constructed categories of gender, her talk invited the audience to reflect on the epistemic assumptions that underlie scientific knowledge production. 

The following day, the doctoral seminar took place at the Institute for History of Medicine and Science Studies (IMGWF) in Lübeck. The seminar began with a group work phase, in which the participating PhD students engaged with selected readings and guiding questions in small groups. The texts addressed different aspects of the relationship between sex/gender and scientific practice—ranging from the construction of gender differences in neuroscience to statistical methods in researching sex/gender differences (in all life sciences), and institutional approaches to gender equity in science policy.

Each group engaged critically with the assigned text excerpts and brought in their own analytical perspectives on methodological assumptions, structural inequalities, and the role of empirical evidence. The participants shared their views and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on how these issues intersect with their own research contexts. One key point that emerged across the groups was the importance of reflecting on the purpose and implications of analyzing sex/gender in scientific research. Rather than treating these categories as neutral variables, participants emphasized the need to interrogate the assumptions underlying their use: What frameworks are being reproduced? Who benefits from this type of categorization? And what risks are involved in reifying sex/gender differences? These reflections encouraged a more critical, context-sensitive engagement with research design and interpretation.

After the group work, the seminar continued with a Q&A session with Anelis Kaiser Trujillo, where she answered questions about interdisciplinary research, the role of gender studies scholars, her own career path, and the practical challenges of integrating feminist approaches into scientific environments. A central theme that emerged was the inherently political nature of scientific inquiry: researchers must remain aware of whom their work ultimately serves. The conversation also turned to the precarious conditions faced by scholars working on sex/gender-related topics, particularly in the United States. In this context, the importance of fostering interdisciplinary networks and cultivating a research culture grounded in mutual support and solidarity was strongly emphasized

The session concluded with short presentations of each group’s findings, followed by a thoughtful discussion among all participants and Anelis Kaiser Trujillo. Feedback collected through an anonymous questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive. This DLS event once again demonstrated the value of combining critical perspectives with domain-specific expertise, a goal that lies at the heart of CRC 1665. We thank Professor Kaiser Trujillo for her visit and the participants for their thoughtful contributions to a truly productive exchange.

Melina Schönknecht & Annalena Fuchs