Milestones
With the establishment of the Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity and the associated unit, the University of Bonn has committed itself to actively working towards a more diverse university. Here we present what we have achieved so far.
2025
Diversity Days 2025
This year's Diversity Days took place over two days at the Digi Hub under the motto 'Family Matters: Balance & Belonging'. The event was kicked off with two presentations followed by a panel discussion on queerness and family. Also on the first day, two female authors read from their book on balancing family and a scientific career. On the second day, these ideas were taken up in a workshop on the same topic, and the whole event was rounded off with a World Café on the development of the diversity strategy.
2024
New Anti-Discrimination Policy
In November 2024, the University of Bonn publishes its new Anti-Discrimination Policy. In accordance with the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), the policy aims to protect people who are disadvantaged on the basis of their ethnic origin or racism, gender, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual identity. The binding guidelines are intended to have a preventive effect and specify clear procedures and possible sanctions in the event of violations.
Successful re-audit 'Vielfalt Gestalten'
Following the successful re-audit in November 2024, the University of Bonn was awarded the 'Vielfalt Gestalten' ('Shaping Diversity') certificate for another three years. The re-audit served to review, consolidate and further develop the diversity strategy and measures developed in the initial audit. Participants were given the opportunity to contribute their views on the university's process over the past four years. The peers particularly praised the promotion of women and the increase in the proportion of female professors to over 30 per cent. The different approaches and topics of the initiatives was also positively emphasised.
Project 'Inclusion Guides'
The University of Bonn also took part in the Hildegardis Association's 'Inclusion Guides' project. The project, which is funded by Aktion Mensch, aims to make the recruitment process and working environment more inclusive for women with disabilities. Ten female* students with disabilities accompanied the participating institutions for a year as experts in their own right. They acted as 'inclusion guides' and worked together with the University of Bonn on job advertisements, visual language, employer branding and recruiting.
Diversity Days 2024
The Diversity Days 2024 were divided into two thematic areas, 'Language connects' on day one and 'Women empowering STEM' on day two. On the first day, various lectures were held - including a lecture by Prof Dr Fereidooni on experiences of discrimination at the university - after which visitors were able to take part in four different workshops. On the second day, a keynote speech was followed by presentations by female researchers at the University of Bonn, in which they presented their individual careers and motivation to work in science. In the afternoon, a speed dating and several other workshops took place. Both days were accompanied by the Fair of Opportunities.
HRK initiative: Media campaign
A media campaign was also developed as part of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) funding, which provides information on the five core areas of our work: inclusion and participation, educational equity, anti-discrimination, gender equality and family friendliness. Various measures that promote diversity and equal opportunity at the University of Bonn are presented in videos and podcasts.
2023
HRK initiative: Workshop discussions
Following a successful application for funding from the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) as part of the 'Diversity at German Universities' funding initiative, we organised five workshops to develop a diversity strategy. The workshops invited members of the university from all status groups to share criticism, wishes and ideas for the future of the university on the five topics inclusion and participation, educational equity, anti-discrimination, gender equality and family friendliness.
Member of the Rhineland Network for Equal Opportunities
In September 2023, the University of Bonn became a member of the Rhineland Network for Equal Opportunities, thereby committing itself to its guidelines for promoting diversity and reducing discrimination at its institutions.
Diversity Days 2023
The second Diversity Days at the University of Bonn took place on the topic of diversity in German academia. The topic was lively discussed at a panel discussion and subsequent network meeting and the Fair of Opportunities, which took place this year as part of the Dies Academicus, was also well attended.
New support program: Pathways to Research
The 'Pathways to Research' support program for students and doctoral candidates with a refugee or migrant background was launched in the summer semester of 2023. It includes monthly grants and access to a range of workshops and events.
Policies for Protection Against Sexualized Discrimination and Violence
In March 2023, the Policies for Protection Against Sexualized Discrimination and Violence comes into force. The policies describe standards of conduct, procedures and possible responses when dealing with sexual discrimination and violence at the University of Bonn and replaces the previous ‘Directive on Dealing with Sexual Harassment at the University of Bonn’ from 2011. The new policies are intended to provide a better basis for educating, offering protection and punishing violations.
2022
New offer: Anti-racism student counseling
In order to support BIPoC students in the event of racist incidents, a counselor from outside the university was hired in the summer semester of 2022, who was selected together with the BIPoC department at the time. Eden Kirchner offers anonymous and confidential counseling for BIPoC students at the University of Bonn who have experienced racism or are looking for general support.
Diversity Days 2022
In May 2022, the University of Bonn celebrated the Diversity Days for the first time to mark German Diversity Day. Over three days, there were lectures and a poster exhibition on research projects with a focus on diversity, a Fair of Opportunities at which various diversity-related advice centres at the University of Bonn presented themselves and a panel discussion in cooperation with the Family Office on the topic of 'Diversity and Family'.
Pilot project 'Free menstrual products'
In the summer semester of 2022, the pilot project 'Free menstrual products' started at the University of Bonn, initiated by the Vice Rectorate in cooperation with the AStA. Dispensers with pads and tampons were initially installed in seven central womens' and barrier-free toilets. After a very successful pilot phase, the project was extended permanently and expanded to 24 toilets.
2020/21
Foundation of the Diversity Working Group
The Diversity Working Group was established in 2021 to connect various key players at the university in the field of diversity.
STEP support program
In 2020, the STEP Program (Strengthening the Equal Opportunity Process) was launched and underwent its first round of funding. The program serves to support (junior) female academics and professors and aims, among other things, to increase the proportion of female professors at the University of Bonn. Female academics at different career stages can apply for funding, for example for travelling abroad.
'Vielfalt Gestalten' certificate awarded
After a three-year auditing process, which the university underwent together with five other universities, we received the 'Shaping Diversity' certificate from the Stifterverband. The certificate is awarded to universities that have developed concepts and measures for dealing with the diversity of their students and employees in an appreciative, discrimination-sensitive and productive manner and are committed to developing these further.
Foundation of the Vice Rectorate and the Diversity Unit
In 2020, the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit was founded as part of the certification process of the Stifterverband and placed under the leadership of Marie Ullenboom. In May 2021, the Vice Rectorate was established and Prof Dr Irmgard Förster was appointed Vice Rector. Anna Hollstegge also took over the management of the unit in the spring of 2021.
Contact
Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit
The Diversity Unit supports and advises the Vice Rectorate in the (further) development of concepts to promote equal opportunity and diversity.
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News & Events
Here you can find current news and events on the topic of diversity at the University of Bonn.
Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Here you will find information about the Vice Rectorate and the Vice Rector.