Equal opportunities
Fair opportunities for all
Equal opportunities for our employees is a central concern of the DRFZ. In line with this principle, we strive for qualitative and quantitative equality at all levels. Equality has almost been achieved in the area of scientific support staff. We are making good progress with regard to scientific staff.
The Equal Opportunities Officers are active in the following areas
Consulting
Information, advice, support and awareness-raising for all employees on the topic of equality
Recruitment procedure
Accompanying recruitment and appointment procedures
Support
Support and assistance in cases of sexualized discrimination and violence, stalking and bullying
Networking
Networking within the Leibniz Association & participation in committees
Promotion of young talent
Information and advice on the Leibniz Association's young talent promotion program specifically for women
Gender sensitive language
Implementing gender sensitive language
Here you can find the DRFZ equality plan
Total E-Quality score
The TOTAL E-QUALITY award certifies a successful and sustainable commitment to equal opportunities and signifies the participating organizations’ clear commitment to gender equality and diversity. In 2025, the DRFZ received the Total E-Quality award again.
You can find information on the following topics here
You can find more informations on gender sensitive language on our german version.
Gender-sensitive language guideline from the University Cologne
Contact persons:
Equal Opportunity Officer
Laleh Khodadadi
gleichstellung@drfz.de
Deputy Equal Opportunity Officer
Gabriela Guerra
gleichstellung@drfz.de
Ombudsperson
Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann
andreas.herrmann@rz.hu-berlin.de
If you have any questions about the collective agreement regulations on reconciling care and work, please contact the DRFZ HR department.
Infos zur Pflege aus dem TVÖD (in german)
Would you like more informations?
Hello Weekend!
Weekly reflections from Laleh, Equal Opportunities Officer, to the DRFZ team.
Dear all,
It’s late at night. A parent is still working while their child sleeps.
A few hours later, they are up again—preparing their child, rushing to kindergarten, then to work.
In the middle of all this, something small may be forgotten. And in that moment, judgment is quick:
“They forgot.”
“Maybe they don’t care enough.”
But what we don’t see are the many unseen acts of care, effort, and responsibility that happen every single day. And what follows that moment of judgment is often heavier than the mistake itself—
a quiet feeling of guilt, the kind that lingers longer than the moment itself:
“Am I doing enough?”
This experience is not uncommon. Parents—especially mothers and single parents—often carry invisible workloads that are not always recognized.
That kind of judgment may exist in society. But it does not belong in our community.
- To all parents: we see your efforts, and we appreciate you.
- To those becoming parents—congratulations on this new chapter.
- And to those on different paths—we respect you and thank you for your support; it truly makes a difference.
Nothing is more beautiful than a child’s smile—and nothing shapes it more than a supported parent.
Let’s continue to build a culture where understanding replaces judgment, and support replaces assumption.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend—enjoy the smiles and laughter of children. Because that’s what all of this is for.
Best,
Laleh
