In our SFB 1381 we value diversity and welcome contributions from every gender, nationality and different backgrounds. However, we recognize that equal opportunities in science are not yet fully realized, and we address this issue through various measures:
- raising awarenes about conscious and unconscious bias in discussion rounds and workshops (internal and external)
- promoting the careers of young female and diverse researchers
- supporting parents to ensure the compatibility of family life and an academic career
Discussion/workshops about (un)conscious bias
SFB 1381 Retreat 2024
At the SFB 1381 retreat in 2024, where all members (PIs, PostDocs and doctoral students) participated, a central topic during the rotating discussion session was (un)conscious bias. This brainstorming session sparked intense discussions and served as a great introduction to the topic.
SFB 1381 PI Retreat 2025
At the 2025 SFB 1381 Principal Investigator retreat, a workshop led by Jennifer J* Moos inspired new ideas for fostering inclusivity, addressing everyday biases, and promoting even greater diversity across our projects.
The University of Freiburg is also actively fostering awareness and understanding of conscious and unconscious bias through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) unit.
Promotion of young female and diverse researchers
While women remain underrepresented in science, especially in senior positions, we aim to lead by example. At SFB 1381, 50% of our project leaders are women, and a similarly representation is reflected among our young researchers — demonstrating our commitment to a more inclusive and balanced scientific community.
"SFB 1381´s female minds" series
We launched the “SFB 1381´s female minds” series, where we introduce our female PIs and get their insights about the SFB, their career, their balancing of work and private life, gender issues in general etc.
"kite mentoring"
All our female (and diverse) doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers are invited to join kite-mentoring – a dynamic network at the University of Freiburg, supported by our SFB. Kite offers more than mentoring – it provides rich opportunities for networking, professional development, training and coaching.
In addition to these initiatives, young female researchers gain valuable guidance through mentorship with experienced principal investigators within our SFB. We also provide individual coaching to support the growth and success of all our female and diverse members.
Furthermore, we collaborate closely with the equal opportunity offices at the University and the Medical Faculty in Freiburg, both of which offer specific mentoring and coaching programs for women.
- Equal Opportunities Office of the University of Freiburg
- Equity, Diversity and Academic Personnel Development (University of Freiburg)
- CORA Coaching Women for Research and Academia (University of Freiburg)
- Equal Opportunities Office at the Faculty of Medicine
- EIRA Mentoring (Faculty of Medicine)
Compatibility of family life and academic career
Kids Box
SFB 1381 offers two Kids Boxes (download flyer) — one at our headquarters in the ZBMZ building and one at the Faculty of Biology — to help parents bridge childcare gaps. Based on user feedback, these boxes are continually updated to ensure they remain a practical and supportive resource for our SFB families.
Student assistants
SFB 1381 offers student assistant positions that support parents, caregivers, and scientists with disabilities. These positions help create a more inclusive and accessible research environment.
Childcare
SFB 1381 supports families by arranging childcare placements and offering personalized childcare solutions.
Family-friendly scheduling
We prioritize family-friendly scheduling for meetings and seminars, ensuring events are accessible to all. For example, our central SFB 1381 seminar series takes place at 11:15 am, making it easy for parents with young children to participate.
In addition, we collaborate closely with the University, which offers childcare services to support our researchers and their families.
For questions about our equality initiatives or support options, please reach out to the SFB 1381 office — we’re happy to help and provide guidance to all researchers.
