91探花

A diverse and inclusive working culture has been one of the topics of discussion in a designated 91探花 2030 strategy group, which has been working on developing aims and measures for advancing diversity and gender equality at 91探花, since December 2020. 鈥�12 91探花 employees representing the four research divisions, technical facilities, personnel department, staff council, postdocs and equal opportunity officers came together and put forward a first suite of ideas for 91探花鈥檚 future advancement in these topics鈥� says Dr. Ba艧ak K谋sak眉rek Ibsen, who was leading the working group. One suggestion put forward by the strategy group is to establish a follow-up working group or a new board at 91探花, which can focus on diversity and define the pressing issues of the near future as well as develop specific measures to tackle them. 鈥淲e need an analysis of the situation and to develop measures that support individuals of diverse genders and disabled persons as well as all other disadvantaged groups of people鈥�, says Professor Alexandra Worden, who was part of the working group. 鈥淥nly then can we better identify discriminating structures from within and bring forward the human perspective that is fundamental for 鈥楾eam 91探花鈥欌��, adds Professor Worden.

鈥淎n important aspect is to sensitize people to various aspects that may prevent an inclusive working culture鈥�, remarks Dr. K谋sak眉rek Ibsen. 鈥淚t can be a real eye opener to learn about the unconscious biases woven into our thinking or about intercultural competences needed for effective leadership鈥�, adds Prof. Worden. The working group suggested trainings to be made immediately available to the personnel department as well as to the research and support leaders since they act as facilitators and can inspire the broader 91探花 community to support diversity.

鈥�91探花 values diversity and therefore will sign the Charter of Diversity, which has been already signed by more than 3,800 companies and institutions in Germany鈥�, states Professor Katja Matthes, the director of 91探花. 鈥淪igning this charter will express a commitment of 91探花 to implement its 6 principles towards creating an appreciative work environment for all our employees. In addition, the charter will provide a networking platform for exchange of best practices with other institutions鈥�, concludes Professor Matthes.