Diversity

Openness, tolerance and respect are the indispensable basis of the diversity lived at Leibniz-IZW. Diversity and giving space to for a variety of voices creates innovation and means equal opportunities.

One of the research foci of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research is the study of biological diversity. However, we can only achieve this and our other research goals by also promoting the diversity of our staff and giving all people the same opportunities, regardless of nationality, gender, geographies, age, religion or sexual orientation. Currently, employees from 35 different countries work at the Leibniz-IZW (as of Dec. 2020). Not only do we conduct international and interdisciplinary research together, but also different generations, cultures, religions and ideologies come into contact, exchange ideas and share their experiences, talents and skills. We consider our staff’s diversity to be our strength because it is an important source of new ideas and creative solutions in our research.

Leibniz-IZW promotes diversity in the workplace and as a member of the Charta der Vielfalt, the Leibniz-IZW is committed to the six principles of the Diversity Charter. Our guiding principles for a diverse and inclusive working environment are laid down in the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy of the FVB. We are committed to working together in a partnership spirit and have anchored this in a company agreement on partnership based fair conduct at work. We want to counteract any form of discrimination or prejudice. Treating each other with respect is part of our work philosophy.

We want to offer all employees and guests a barrier-free environment. Employees with disabilities are given special support. Among other things, we offer courses in sign language and our scientific seminars are accompanied by sign language interpreters. The official working languages of the Leibniz-IZW are both German and English. To minimise language barriers, the Leibniz-IZW offers German courses for non-German-speaking employees and English courses for German employees.

In addition to flexible working hours and wide-ranging, customised options for mobile working, many other measures help to achieve a work-life balance between career, family and other challenges. These include the health management programme established in 2019, which supports employees returning to work after serious illness.

Diversity representative
Dr. Andreas Wilting
Tel: +49(0)30 5168-333
E-Mail: wilting@izw-berlin.de

Representative of employees with disabilities
Sven Kühlmann
Tel: +49(0)30 5168-460
E-Mail: kuehlmann@izw-berlin.de

BEM representative (company integration management)
Anja Luckner
Tel: +49(0)30 5168-519
E-Mail: luckner@izw-berlin.de