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Franziska Weinmar
Name:
Franziska Weinmar
Job title:
PhD Researcher
Place of work / study:
University of Tübingen
Area of Research:
Psychoneuroendocrinology of women’s mental health
How is your work funded:
German Research Foundation (DFG, IRTG2804); Hans und Ria Messer Stiftung
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a PhD researcher in psychoneuroendocrinology studying how hormonal changes shape women’s mental health across major hormonal transitions in the female lifespan. My work focuses on the complex interplay between hormones, the brain, and emotional functioning, and how these changes can influence vulnerability to mental health disorders. In particular, I investigate emotion regulation during the perinatal and perimenopausal periods – two key phases of profound hormonal, neural and psychosocial adaptation. Alongside my research, I am passionate about science communication. I am the initiator and host of the podcast “Let’s Talk About Women,” where I speak with international researchers from neuroscience, psychology, and medicine about women’s mental health and the brain, with the goal of making scientific insights accessible to a broader audience.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love analogue photography and often surprise friends and family weeks later with photos from moments they had already forgotten about – like little time capsules that bring those memories, and smiles, back to life.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Personal reasons
What single piece of advise would you give to an early career researcher?
Research is a long journey, and the people who accompany you along the way shape your growth, curiosity, and resilience as much as the research itself. That’s why choosing a supportive and inspiring research environment or peer group early on can make all the difference.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I’m currently reading Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. I would absolutely recommend it. A beautiful and deeply moving story about family, love, and the complicated ways our lives become intertwined.
Favourite film of all time?
Not sure
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Yoga, meeting friends over coffee, going for a run or walk, long phone calls with family.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Starting my PhD in Tübingen on women’s mental health. It has been an incredibly enriching journey of learning, growth, and meeting amazing people along the way.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Not sure
Do you collect anything?
No
