Diversity and Inclusion
The IPN views diversity as a strength and actively promotes a heterogeneous workforce. All IPN employees—regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or chronic illness, social or ethnic background—are given equal opportunities in teaching, research, and administration. The IPN aims to systematically promote diversity, equal opportunities, and anti-discrimination in all areas of the institute. It is actively committed to building diversity competence and dismantling discrimination.
Two major milestones were achieved in 2023:
- Creation of a dedicated role: The position of Coordinator for Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Career Development was established at the IPN.
- Signing the Diversity Charter: The institute's management officially signed the Charta der Vielfalt (German Diversity Charter). More information can be found here.
On June 1, 2026, the IPN was awarded the "berufundvielfalt" (work and diversity) certificate. This successful audit underscores once again the high priority that diversity holds at our institute. To systematically advance existing measures and continuously monitor progress, a "Roundtable Diversity" is being established.
Our core goals for the coming years:
- Raising awareness: Developing concrete initiatives, such as guest lectures and targeted further training opportunities.
- Creating fair processes: Introducing diversity-sensitive procedures, particularly in recruitment and personnel development.
- Embedding diversity: Firmly integrating diversity aspects into both research and teaching.
Research on Diversity and Inclusion at the IPN
Diversity and inclusion are central components of research at the IPN. Through a wide range of projects, different perspectives are brought to light and integrated in a sustainable manner into research, teaching and institutional structures. The aim is not merely to state equality as a principle, but to implement it in a practical and effective manner.
Anti-discrimination
Our diversity strategy goes hand in hand with anti-discrimination work at the Institute. The Institute's Staff Council, in collaboration with the Gender Equality Officer, has drawn up a service agreement on awareness establishing a complaints office in accordance with the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). This service agreement regulates the handling of discrimination, sexualized violence and bullying. It became effective January 1, 2024. An accompanying letter provides an overview of advice centers, both within and outside the IPN. It serves as a guide so that affected persons can find appropriate support services.
Contact:
Counseling opportunities at the IPN
- Staff Council: personalrat@leibniz-ipn.de
- Ombudsperson: ombudsperson@leibniz-ipn.de
- Representative of the severely disabled: sb@leibniz-ipn.de
Representative body for severely disabled employees
The disability dimension at the IPN is supported by the elected committee of the Representative Body for Severely Disabled Employees (SBV). The main concern of the SBV is to support those affected in their professional participation and to protect them from disadvantages in the employment relationship. In the application process, applicants with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status are generally invited to an interview if they are professionally and personally suitable.
Contact:
Representative for the severely disabled: sb@leibniz-ipn.de
