The impostor phenomenon or syndrome is used as a term to denote a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor despite external evidence of high achievements and competences. It can affect individuals regardless of gender and it can hamper their well-being and career progress.

During this session we aim to examine the impostor phenomenon from several angles. Specifically, we will provide the context of the impostor phenomenon and deconstruct the notion that it is only a matter of personality traits or personal conditions. We will emphasize its links with systemic and environmental/societal factors that play a major role in initiating and maintaining it.

We will address not only how we can relieve these feelings at the individual level, but also how can leaders minimize these hampering feelings in students and researchers of their team. Changes should be focused both in the short- and long-term and to bring about positive changes, a robust understanding of necessary actions is essential. Thus, our goal will be to provide basic information and background that will kickstart discussions with the audience so that, via examples and dialogue, we can offer tools that inform and empower our community.

This event is part of the 50th Meeting of the European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS) (26-29 August 2023 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands). More information on registration to the conference here: https://ebbs2023.azuleon.org/registration