Equal opportunities and gender equality
It is based on the conviction that discrimination in any form goes against the fundamental principle of science and research – to seek out new questions that have not been asked before, and build on existing talents and knowledge. For science to take part in a constructive dialogue and exchange with society, it needs researchers who reflect society’s wide range of experiences, life situations and ideas. The Leibniz Association uses a number of different instruments to support the Leibniz Institutes in their efforts to achieve this aim.
Guidelines and processes
As early as 2008, the Leibniz Association became the first non-university research organisation to adopt the Research-Oriented Standards on Gender Equality of the German Research Foundation (DFG). And in 2016, it added its own Leibniz Equality Standards.
Combining caring responsibilities with an (academic) career
The Leibniz Association helps its institutions introduce appropriate measures to create better conditions for combining work and family.
Equality in academic leadership positions
The aim of equal opportunities activities within the Leibniz Association is to guarantee equal opportunities and prospects to men and women when it comes to realising their individual career goals.
Equal opportunities in staff development
Special funding programmes aim to reduce the drop-out rates for highly qualified women postdocs.
Cultural change through diversity
Diversity in the sense of diverse, interdisciplinary research questions and approaches is a central and particular characteristic of the Leibniz Association.