AIP once again awarded for equal opportunity

The reason given for the award is that AIP “already implements equal opportunities in many fields of action in the traditionally heavily male-dominated field astrophysics.” Since the last successful application in 2017, the institute has meaningfully added new measures, such as new institute regulations, the “Institutsordnung”, and a Code of Conduct, both of which anchor equal opportunities as a principle and task more firmly on the institutional level. In terms of staff development, AIP “benefits greatly from its good networking with other academic institutions.” Katrin Böhrs, Equal Opportunities Officer at AIP, states: “Promoting the careers of women in science is essential for the institute to be attractive as an employer.”

Currently, 34 per cent of AIP's staff are women. Women make up 30 per cent of the scientific staff, and 41 per cent of the technical and administrative staff. Of the management positions, 82 percent are held by men. “The compatibility of family and career as well as equal opportunity are of particular concern to me; we want to further improve these with various measures,” emphasises Wolfram Rosenbach, Administrative Chairman of the AIP board.

The jury acknowledges the ambitious goals that AIP continues to set for future staffing, which is based on an already active and equality-oriented recruitment policy. The planned measures, some of which have already been implemented since the application, such as the works council agreement on mobile working, the possibilities for relieving women of committee work or events on the topic of care, are eagerly awaited: “We look forward to a renewed application in 2024, which will clearly show further progress and sustainability on the path to equal opportunity.” The award will be presented at a virtual ceremony on 26 October.