Diversity & Inclusion

Promoting a gender- and diversity-conscious culture

Embedding equity and diversity in structures and processes

CEPLAS is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement towards a gender- and diversity-sensitive organizational environment. As we strive to embed equity and diversity at a structural level, we implement transparent and gender-sensitive designs across all organizational processes. We integrate considerations of equity and diversity in the composition of decision-making bodies, decisions regarding the distribution of funds, the organization of seminars and conferences, recruitment processes, and the representation within our informational materials. Particularly with regard to recruitment procedures at the graduate, postgraduate, and fellowship levels, we prioritize diversity in our interview panels and are dedicated to constantly re-evaluating and improving our evaluation criteria to ensure fairness and equity.

Increasing awareness about gender and diversity in science and research

We are dedicated to involving all status groups in reflecting on existing inequalities and implicit biases, and exploring ways to enhance inclusivity within the scientific environment. To support these efforts, we facilitate awareness training and provide resources including:

  • Biases in Selection Procedures Workshop: Specifically targeted at members in leadership positions
  • Gender and Diversity Sensitivity Workshops and Keynote Lectures
  • Workshops and Seminars on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Academia
  • Informational Materials and Individual Consultations: We offer guidelines and resources for planning diversity-sensitive events, and provide consultations upon request (e.g. assistance with bias-free reference letters). 

Moreover, in our series CEPLAS Kompakt "Excellence through diversity" we aim to increase visibility and celebrate the diversity among researchers by highlighting the essential framework conditions needed to support it.

Increasing the number of marginalized groups in science: Beyond gender inclusion

CEPLAS actively promotes diversity and inclusion beyond gender by focusing on further groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science. For instance we offer special considerations to applicants from developing countries (Global South) and provide targeted support measures such as stipends, coaching, and mentoring. Additionally, we collaborate with the Talent Scouting NRW program at universities to support first-generation academics and offer annual internships in our CEPLAS laboratories for talented pupils from underprivileged areas. These internships engage students from non-academic households in research projects, sparking their interest in science and encouraging them to pursue academic careers.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office

Claudia Balan

+49 211 81 15931

Send Email

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

  • Information regarding CEPLAS measures
  • First point of contact for university offers
  • Confidential assistance with discrimination concerns
  • Neutral contact for conflict resolution support