Equal Opportunity

The Equal Opportunity Officers

Dr. Gülcin Abbaszade has been re-elected as Equal Opportunities Officer for Helmholtz Munich for a further term ending on December 2, 2025. She will be supported by Dr. Katharina Gückel, who has also been re-elected as Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer. 
The equal opportunities officers actively shape a respectful and fair work culture in which diversity is embraced as a strength and equal opportunities are a matter of course. They are the point of contact, source of inspiration, and support for all employees when it comes to questions about equality, diversity, and work-life balance. 
Working closely with management, the works council, human resources, personnel development, and other key areas, they bring people, ideas, and perspectives together. This results in sustainable strategies, new ways of thinking, and concrete measures that make everyday working life fairer, more open, and more sustainable. Their motivation: to create an open and appreciative environment in which everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—and can develop their full potential.

Our tasks:

• Increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions in science
• Information about mentoring programs and advice on applying for jobs
• Advice and support in personal situations, referral to specific support and counseling services, e.g., on the topic of violence
• Counseling and support in case of sexual harassment in the workplace
• Contact point for questions and suggestions on the topic of work-life balance
• Organization and implementation of events such as lectures and workshops on the topic of equality and equal opportunities
• Monitoring of equality aspects and controlling of measures
• Creation of structures, services, instruments, and measures for equal opportunities

The Equal Opportunities Officers are members of various internal and external committees and of the Helmholtz working group "Women in Research Centers".