Equal Opportunities
Equal opportunities and access for all
At the Max Planck Society, we believe that research thrives on diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to foster a culture where respect and support for each individual come first—no matter their background, gender, abilities, beliefs, age, sexual orientation or identity.
The Max Planck Society was the first German research institution to recognize and support the gender identities of all employees as part of its understanding of diversity. We keep our community engaged through training programs on diversity and inclusion, offered through resources like the Planck Academy, with workshops on unconscious bias and diversity management to help keep our workspaces open and forward-thinking.
We’re also focused on improving accessibility, actively welcoming individuals with disabilities and enhancing inclusive resources for all employees. A recent update to our policies supports this effort by prioritizing not only individual needs but a community-wide commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We want to further improve accessibility and inclusion in everyday work.
A Safe and Inclusive Workplace for All
Creating a safe space for all is essential to our work and culture. We actively protect our employees and guests from discrimination, harassment, and violence and promote a non-discriminatory, inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s unique qualities are valued.
The Max Planck Society encourages the maxim of a non-discriminatory culture, in which the variety and diversity of employees are seen as an opportunity, and in which all are met with equal respect, and shown the same esteem. As a successful research organisation, we aim to protect all employees and guests against all forms of discrimination and consistently oppose any form of behaviour that violates our guidelines.
Disability Officers
Our Disability Officers promote an inclusive environment at the institute. They’re here to represent the interests of staff with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in working life. These representatives work with all staff who registered disabled to make sure they’re treated fairly, are not disadvantaged on the basis of their status, and able to participate fully in working life.
The Max Planck Society is dedicated to increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. In our hiring process, the Disability Officer may review applications in cases where a person with a disability applies. The representative will join the application process, including interviews, to provide support and ensure equity.
Gender Equality Officers
Gender Equality Officers are important players across all Max Planck Institutes. Working in a voluntary or part-time capacity, they perform their gender equality work on site and lobby in their respective location for gender justice and gender sensitivity. They are the contacts for employees in all questions regarding career advancement, and they help to remove discrimination.