Creating an Inclusive Research Environment
The Cluster’s Executive Board and all its members, supported by the gender equality offices of Ulm University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), are committed to providing equal career opportunities and equal, fair working conditions for all members, regardless of gender, sexual identity, age, origin, personal background, and religion. To this end, the institutions and the Cluster have appointed personnel development and diversity management positions to monitor hiring procedures, implement work-life balance initiatives, and support mentoring and coaching programmes. The defined goals of the Cluster include:
- To provide a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- To promote female researchers at all qualification levels, especially for leadership positions.
- To support a balance between academic work and private life and family.
Equality and diversity initiatives within the Cluster are organized by the Equality Officer, Christine Kranz, who is also a member of the Executive Board and the first contact person regarding equity, diversity and inclusion related questions. She works closely with the equality offices of the participating universities, the Cluster spokespersons, the Cluster Office, and the EES Academy.
Family-friendliness
All of the participating institutions (Ulm University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Justus Liebig Unviersity Giessen) have been certified as family-friendly universities and continue to participate in the triennial audit process. The three universities have established support structures for family-specific affairs. The Cluster coordinators are working closely with the specific university institutions to support and promote family-friendly measures for all Cluster members. More information on university offerings:
Diversity & Inclusion
Our mission continues to create a diverse and inclusive work environment for all members at POLiS. Unconscious bias (implicit bias) is innate to human nature. However, awarness of implicit bias minimizes unnoticed daily discrimination and fosters and inclusive environment. POLiS, supported by the EES Academy and the EDI officer, closely cooperates with the personnel development and Equal Opportunity (EO) units at Ulm University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Justus Liebig University Giessen.
- Ulm University – Diversity Management
- Ulm University – Discrimination, sexual harassment and violence
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – Anti-Discrimination Office
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – Equal Opportunities and Diversity
- Justus Liebig University Giessen – Gender and Diversity
- Justus Liebig University Giessen – Anti-Discrimination
Career Development
The Cluster is dedicated to support career developments for its members at different career levels strongly supported by the EES Academy and the individual programmes at Ulm University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Justus Liebig University Giessen. This also includes measures such as dual career services offered at all three institutions to support e.g., the competitive appointment of female faculty members.
