Zazie von Davier knows how to calculate. A skill that she absolutely needs in her position at the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics. Because her research is about the competitiveness of farms. Above all, however, the agricultural scientist investigates the challenges women face in agriculture, such as whether the pension is enough for them.

She has been fascinated by agricultural economics since her studies. "Initially, I wanted to become a farmer," she says. After graduating, she first advised agricultural businesses. But she missed reading, learning, and research. So she decided to start a doctorate at the University of Göttingen on performance-based remuneration in agriculture. She had her first child during this time. "I walked from the office to the hospital and was back at the office ten days after the birth - with the baby," reports the mother of three children. "I had a lot of support, it was a great time," she says today. "But of course, it was also very exhausting," she adds. The following years as a freelancer, in which she worked for the Thünen Institute, the FAO and the University of Göttingen and had her second and third child, were particularly hard. The passion for her work remained.

This is probably what motivated her to come to the Thünen Institute in May 2015. Shortly before the first Corona lockdown in 2020, she and a team of six people started one of her biggest and most favourite projects: a comprehensive study on the situation of women in agriculture. She loves to work concretely with people on farms, to make their living situation tangible. She sometimes finds it difficult to separate her work from her family life. "Research continues, even after working hours," says the scientist. The opportunity to work from home has significantly relieved her as a mother. It would be even better with a larger team that can represent each other when necessary. This would strengthen women and mothers in science. Because: "I don't have the coolness to just leave my work undone when the children or I are sick."