Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office aims to raise awareness on diversity and inclusion topics through activities such as workshops and seminars and as a contact point to discuss concerns and/or conflicts of a related character.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team was established in June 2020 based on a bottom-up initiative organised, mainly, by early-stage researchers. The initiative received the support of institute management and directorship leading to the creation of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office in December 2020.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office has two main goals:

  • First, as stated on the 2021 Scientific Advisor Board report, the Office aims to raise awareness on diversity and inclusion topics through activities such as workshops and seminars.
  • Second, the Office serves as an additional contact point (together with Equal Opportunity Office, Family Affair Office, Ombuds-person) for the employees of the MPI for Biogeochemistry to discuss concerns and/or conflicts of a related character.

Multipurpose room

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion room C4.003 provides a space for the employees of the MPI-BGC for wellbeing activities while in the work environment. The room can have many uses that include, for instance, nursery, pray and meditation room and we rely on the understanding of the employees to judge and prioritise the activities in case of simultaneous use. In addition, the DEI office is in contact with the Directorship to include a seperate DEI room in the new building of the MPI-BGC.

Survey

The DEI office is preparing a survey on equity and inclusivity in the MPI-BGC. As a first step, the goal is to assess the current state of the institute and identify strong and weak points that require further actions. As a next step, the survey should be repeated every few years (i.e. three years) to monitor improvements and design future actions. The survey will run internally and anonymously. 

Former seminars

Active By-standing

  • Date: Jan 12, 2022
  • Time: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
  • Speaker: Martha Sykes
  • Active Bystander Training Company Ltd.
  • Location: Virtual
  • Host: DEI team
The seminar will educate the MPI-BGC employees on diversity issues and provide a common ground for conflict management and for addressing inappropriate behaviors in a structured and appropriate manner in the work environment.

Systematic Bias in STEM

  • Date: Nov 19, 2020
  • Time: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
  • Speaker: Dr. Dutt
  • Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Diversity, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
  • Location: Virtual
  • Host: DEI team
The seminar aims to explain related nomenclature, elaborate on the different aspects of systemic bias and discrimination focusing in STEM, and provids thoughts for a way forward.
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