Equal Opportunity
The universities of the state of Baden-Württemberg promote the genuine implementation of equal opportunities for women and men when performing any of their tasks. They work towards eliminating existing disadvantages, actively promote an increase in the proportion of women in all subjects and at all levels in which women are underrepresented, and ensure a better balance between family and academic activities.
Tasks and Responsibilities of the Equal Opportunity Office
In addition to the University's Equal Opportunity Officer, the Equal Opportunity Representatives of each faculty and their deputies are involved in implementing the equal opportunity goals at Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg. The central task of the Equal Opportunity Officers at Heidelberg University is to develop, implement, and monitor the impact of flexible, demand-oriented instruments that enable talented women and men to participate equally and successfully in university career paths at all levels.
The responsibilities of the Equal Opportunity Committee at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science include:
- Participation with voting rights in faculty council meetings, appointment committees and selection committees. In doing so, the Equal Opportunity Officer ensures that no one is unjustifiably disadvantaged on the basis of gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. The officer regularly prepares reports on the observations made.
- The initiation of measures and policies to increase the representation of women in the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science in all departments and at all levels.
- The direct intervention in cases of threatened or actual disadvantage or discrimination. The Equal Opportunity Officer is the person of contact for every faculty member in the event of unjustified disadvantage, discrimination or sexual harassment.
Equal Opportunity Committee of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Institute for Applied Mathematics
Mathematikon
Room 1/322
Email
Current Situation at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
At the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, the proportion of women among students is currently 24% (as of December 2019). The quota of women among graduates is a good 27%, and among doctoral students the proportion is 21%. There has also been a significant increase in female professors at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science over the last 10 years.
Opportunities
In order to achieve the Faculty's Equal Opportunity goals, various measures are taken at the Faculty and, moreover, at the University as a whole, to provide the members with suitable opportunities. Depending on the target group, the Faculty offers various activities and programs:
Opportunities for Students
- Every year, the Faculty takes part in the event known as Girls Day and offers female students in particular the opportunity to gain an insight into the Faculty.
- At the annual "Tag der Mathematik", male and female students are equally welcome. For years, the percentage of girls among the participants has been around 50%. Here, curious students of all ages can experience the fascination of Mathematics for themselves in lectures, competitions, and games.
- The mentoring program "Upstream" offers interested female students the opportunity to get to know female university students and staff of the Faculty. This way, girls can get a head start in building up a network for their future studies.
Opportunities for University Students
- The members of the Equal Opportunity Committee are the direct persons of contact for university students at the Faculty for all matters concerning equal opportunities. Anyone who feels discriminated against or harassed by anything or anyone at the faculty can contact the Equal Opportunity Committee directly by email, phone, or in person.
- The mentoring program "Upstream" is aimed at female university students, who can share their experiences with young girls and benefit from the experiences of graduate members.
Opportunities for Young Scientists
- With the Olympia Morata Program, Heidelberg University sponsors positions for women by way of a qualification grant as part of its women's advancement plan to encourage the next generation of female university professors. The goal of this program is to support qualified female scientists in obtaining their habilitation or a comparable qualification at Heidelberg University.
- The Faculty organizes the lecture series "Frauen, die forschen" (Women in research). Here, scientists get to know successful women in the field.
Opportunities for Families
- The university's childcare services are certainly also available to all members of our Faculty.
- In addition, the Equal Opportunity Officer is also committed to finding individual solutions for balancing family and career. For example, one faculty member works part-time from home to care for his young daughter. Another employee has a playpen in her office and is thus able to bring her child to work sometimes. If you have individual questions or requests on this topic, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer directly.