With employees from more than 40 nations, we have a wealth of different cultural backgrounds at the FLI, making our institute diverse and colorful.
Dr. Kerstin Wagner Equal Opportunities Commissioner

Equality – Diversity - Inclusion at FLI

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) stand for equal opportunities, the appreciation of diversity, and the active inclusion of all people. The aim is to reduce discrimination and recognize different backgrounds, skills and perspectives as a strength. Integration means enabling everyone to participate and contribute on an equal basis. EDI promotes a respectful, fair and inclusive environment.

This understanding shapes our daily interactions and is an integral part of our equality-oriented, family-friendly, and future-oriented research culture.

We promote equal opportunities in concrete terms through:

Support programs for women in science, including Leibniz Mentoring
Supporting international researchers in settling in Jena – including finding accommodation and dealing with formalities
Exchange and networking formats to promote an open, respectful team culture
Commitment to the Diversity Charter and fulfillment of the criteria of the Total E-Quality certificate

For us, diversity is not just a label, but a responsibility we live by – in research, in our team, and in a social context.

FLI / Gender Equality Plan (PDF)

In April 2013, the FLI signed the Charta der Vielfalt, thereby sending a clear signal in favor of a prejudice-free, appreciative working environment. We promote and live diversity in all its dimensions—regardless of gender, origin, religion, age, identity, or lifestyle—and create structures that open up fair development opportunities for all employees.

In line with the charter, we continuously review HR processes, strengthen a culture of respect, and make diversity visible and tangible. In this way, the FLI actively contributes to leveraging diversity as an opportunity—for people, for research, and for the future.

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Equal opportunities and family-friendly policies are part of our identity.

We create conditions that make it possible to balance work and family life—and have received multiple awards for our efforts.

Equal opportunities and family-friendly policies are integral parts of FLI's human resources policy. With flexible working time models, home office options, advice on parental leave, caregiving, and returning to work, as well as other supportive services, we make it easier to balance career and family. The FLI has received the Total E-Quality award several times for this commitment—most recently including the Diversity add-on. Our measures thus go well beyond legal requirements and promote a fair, cooperative, and diverse work culture.

Apart from the compatibility of family and work, the main focus is on equal opportunities in recruiting and human resources development, promoting fair play at work and the consideration of equality in the institute's principles.

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The Leibniz Association has supported and promoted equal opportunities for men and women since 1998. The project “Mentoring for women researchers at Leibniz institutions” is one of the strategic tools for promoting equal opportunities.

Excellent research needs excellent female researchers. The Leibniz Mentoring Program supports highly-qualified women post-docs on their path to leadership positions and professorships.

The FLI supports its junior scientists through training and several programs. We urge our female scientists to take part in the Leibniz Mentoring Program to benefit from additional exchanges and training provided by the Leibniz Association.

Detailed information on content and proceeding of the Mentoring Program as well as on application guidelines can be found here: www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/mentoring.