Jena/Gelsenkirchen. Yesterday, the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) was awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY (TEQ) award for the fifth time during a ceremony in Gelsenkirchen. At the same time, the institute received the sustainability award, which recognizes its ongoing commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and family-friendly personnel policies.
The FLI in Jena investigates the biological basis of aging. Scientists from around 40 countries work in an interdisciplinary manner to understand the mechanisms of aging and develop approaches that support healthy aging. The institute is jointly funded by the German Federal Government and the State of Thuringia and belongs to the Leibniz Association.
Since 2013, the FLI has successfully undergone the TEQ application process at regular intervals – every three years – which recognizes organizations for their commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and family-friendly personnel policies if they meet all the necessary criteria in various fields of action. The repeated recognition by the jury shows that equality and diversity measures are well established at the FLI and have been continuously expanded over the years.
“Equality and diversity is not a completed project for us, but a living process,” says Dr. Kerstin Wagner, FLI's equal opportunity officer. ‘With my three deputies and the Head of Human Resources, we are a strong team. We regularly review our measures and continuously adapt them to the needs of our employees and social developments.’
Sustainable equality policy that sets an example
In the jury's statement, they praised the FLI's holistic and sustainable equality strategy, which “excellently meets the TEQ standards in all areas of action.” The institute impressed with its gender and diversity budgeting, regular monitoring, individual personnel development, an in-house mentoring program, and the targeted promotion of women in leadership positions.
Women now make up 60% of the institute's staff, and there is a balanced gender ratio in almost all employment groups. Particularly noteworthy is the proportion of female group leaders, which has increased from 33% to 50% in recent years.
Mentoring programs, flexible working time models, and individual career support assist employees in all phases of their careers. Family-friendly conditions are also an integral part of the institute's structure. In 2024, the FLI was awarded the Jena Familiensiegel (Jena Family Seal) for the third time; a regional award for institutions in the region of Jena that are particularly committed to promoting work-life balance.
“The FLI has been awarded the TEQ award for the fifth time in a row and has received the sustainability award. This is a great honor for our institute and also a confirmation of our long-standing commitment to equality,” explains Dr. Daniele Barthel, Administrative Director of the FLI. “It strengthens our attractiveness as an employer and at the same time provides fair and reliable conditions for all employees.”
The award is both recognition and motivation for the FLI: proven measures will continue to be implemented consistently, but new ideas and approaches will also be tested—just as in research, where openness, curiosity, and continuous learning drive progress. These values also shape daily interactions at the institute and ensure a cooperative, respectful, and appreciative working environment.
Contact
Dr. Kerstin Wagner
Press & Public Relations
Phone: 03641-656378, Email: presse@~@leibniz-fli.de
