©

© Helmholtz

27.10.2026 | 

From 19 October to 6 December 2026, all 18 Helmholtz Centres are inviting the public to the Helmholtz Diversity Weeks for the first time. Under the theme “Standing together”, the campaign highlights the importance of diversity for our research centres. The seven-week series of talks offers practical ideas for working together in our day-to-day work.

The Helmholtz Diversity Weeks send a strong message in support of diversity and cohesion, within the Helmholtz Association and beyond. A public commitment alone is not enough: what matters is how we work together and the conditions we create. The talks will also explore the structures needed to ensure that all staff have equal opportunities to contribute and develop.

What’s on the program?

• Seven online events with practical ideas for everyday work
• Social media posts to like, share and comment on
• A privilege check for self-assessment

Seven weeks, seven dimensions of diversity

The themed weeks explore the seven dimensions of the Diversity Charter. Experts will offer ideas on how to enable participation and prevent discrimination. Each talk will be followed by a discussion. The talks are open to the public, but registration is required. Simultaneous interpretation into German or English and German Sign Language interpretation will be provided for all talks.#

You can find the program with short descriptions of all the talks on the Helmholtz website.

• Week 1: Helmholtz Diversity Weeks Kickoff Event
  Panel Discussion: Diversity and Cohesion in the Helmholtz Association
  with Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese (Scientific Director of the UFZ) and Prof. Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven (President of KIT)
  followed by a talk on the dimension of gender and gender identity
  Kickoff Event: AI is Changing the World. But for Whom? Artificial Intelligence and Gender
  Dr Eva Gengler
  19 October 2026 | 10–11:30 AM | German
• Week 2: Age
  Menopause: Meeting the Challenges — At Work, Too!
  Anke Sinnigen
  27 October 2026 | 10–11:30 AM | German |
• Week 3: Migration History and Nationality
  Who Gets to Belong in Science? Migration, Ethnicity, and the Structures of Academic Careers
  Dr Jennifer Chan de Avila
  2 November 2026 | 1–2:30 PM | English | Register here
• Week 4: Religion and Worldview
  Embracing Diversity in Religion and Worldviews
  Prof. Dr. Lorenz Narku Laing
  10 November 2026 | 4:30–6 PM | English | Register here
• Week 5: Sexual Orientation
  Why are we still talking about Pride in 2026? Queer equality and inclusion at work
  Christian Boß
  18 November 2026 | 10:30 AM–12 PM | German | Register here
• Week 6: Social Background
  Who Is Considered Excellent? Social Class Background and Classism in Academia
  Prof. Dr. Francis Seeck
  26 November 2026 | 10–11:30 AM | German | Register here
• Week 7: Physical and Mental Abilities
  Look.at.Me. – How Organizations Benefit from Inclusion
  Sebastian Wächter
  3 December 2026 | 10–11:30 AM | German | Register here

A joint initiative

The campaign is organised by the Helmholtz Network Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and funded by the Helmholtz Association. The talks are coordinated by the various Helmholtz Centres. (AD/Helmholtz)