Work-Life-Integration
CEPLAS promotes the reconciliation between work and private life of all its members. We aim to create a family friendly work-environment to particularly support parents with young children as well as CEPLAS members caring for relatives in need. Offers are open to all members of the CEPLAS young researcher programmes, group leaders and junior professors.
“Helping Hands”
In order to be able to continue the own research in the best possible way despite other obligations and responsibilities, CEPLAS has established the "helping hands" programme where members can apply for support from student assistants or scientific staff. Support is granted during pregnancy, for parents with children (up to 10 years) and for scientists with care responsibilities.
With this offer, CEPLAS aims to facilitate and ensure the needed flexibility regarding the reconciliation of work and private life. So far, the offer is very well accepted by early career researchers and junior professors.
Childcare during CEPLAS events
In cooperation with the Family Support Services of the Universities Cologne and Düsseldorf CEPLAS provides free childcare during all cluster events (e.g. CEPLAS Fridays, CEPLAS Symposium, Young Researcher Retreat).
After-hours childcare
Parents who work at CEPLAS may receive financial support (up to 600€/year) for after-hours childcare (e.g., after regular school/kindergarten opening hours). The CEPLAS office for equal opportunites provides detailed information about this support, including implications for tax deduction.
Furthermore, the Equal Opportunities’ Offices of the Universities and the Family Support / Dual Career Centres (see below for links) provide assistance finding babysitters as well as immediate and flexible solutions in case of emergency.
Parents-child rooms
Parents working at CEPLAS have access to parents-child rooms. These rooms are equipped with child-care supplies and computer desks.
Please contact the coordinator for equal opportunities (equality[at]ceplas.de) if you would like to use these rooms.
Consultation on childcare
We are offering a first consultation regarding the general procedure and conditions when looking for a suitable childcare place or childminder. This offer has proven to be important especially for international researchers/early career researchers.
Please contact us as soon as possible!
Get in contact
Please contact the office for equal opportunities (equality@ceplas.de) to apply for the programmes above or if you require support due other family related issues.
In case your personal situation is not listed here but you would like to enquire financial support from Equal Opportunity funds (according to DFG rules), please do not hesitate to contact the office for equal opportunities.
Furthermore, University of Cologne and Düsseldorf both provide central support structures:
