December 16, 2025 | News | New Faces at MPIDR
Welcome Jiseon Baek!
Jiseon Beak is new research scientist at the Max Planck Institut for Demographic Research (MPIDR). © MPIDR/Schulz
The Laboratory of Fertility & Wellbeing welcomes Jiseon Baek as a new research scientist. Jiseon is enthusiastic about investigating disparities in reproductive outcomes. She will defend her PhD thesis on the fertility of immigrant generations in the United Kingdom at the University of St Andrews in January 2026. Before her PhD, her research interests were developed through her Master's degrees in Social Welfare at Seoul Women’s University and Social Research at the University of Edinburgh. She is excited to pursue her research on reproductive life courses at MPIDR.
What question drives you most in your research?
I am interested in addressing disparities between majority and minority groups. During my PhD, I researched fertility among women with migrant family backgrounds and discovered that not only do their fertility levels differ, but socio-cultural factors also play distinct roles in their childbearing behaviours. I am eager to continue exploring how reproductive outcomes vary across minority groups through a sociocultural lens. My research seeks to answer key questions: Why do fertility and infertility differences exist? How different are they? And what do these differences reveal about reproduction across diverse social and cultural contexts?
Why did you choose MPIDR as your new employer and what are you particularly looking forward to as you start working at the MPIDR?
People make MPIDR. Every colleague is amazing, both professionally and personally. Of course, I must also highlight how resourceful MPIDR is. I feel supported and motivated here. I’m especially looking forward to enjoying the beautiful view from the MPIDR – perfect for recharging when I need to step away from the screen.
What is your favorite and what is your least favorite part about work?
I love exchanging exciting research ideas with my colleagues. I also enjoy having – sometimes silly – laughs with them. I am particularly looking forward to the Christmas party at MPIDR! My least favourite part is that there are so many distractions, such as fun colleagues and exciting events as mentioned, that make it more challenging to go back to my office.
What are you obsessed with at the moment besides demography?
Football! I am an Arsenal fan, and I love watching football every weekend. I used to play for a local recreational football club in Scotland. I would love to play with my colleagues at MPIDR when it gets warmer. They better be ready for my amazing tackles, which I've only dreamed of executing ;)