Shaping diversity together

19 May is German Diversity Day, a nationwide day of action that highlights diversity in the workplace. Silvia Zerbe and Ana Anselmo have been appointed as Diversity Officers at HZB. How do they view their role and what are their plans? A conversation about what we all stand to gain by embracing and actively promoting greater diversity. And why it is particularly important to stand up for this in times like these.

Diversity and equality are not having an easy time at the moment. Anti-democratic tendencies are on the rise. Have you noticed that, too?

Ana: Unfortunately, yes. The discourse on diversity and equality has become harsher, and measures to promote greater equality of opportunity and diversity are increasingly viewed with scepticism or less enthusiasm. We are watching with concern the restrictions in the US, which affect not only diversity programmes but also specific fields of research such as climate research, sustainability and renewable energies. This is worrying, given the US’s significant global influence.

Silvia: Here too, diversity is increasingly being called into question. However, this also affects our core mission of academic freedom, which we must defend. In its election manifesto, the AfD party claims that even the natural sciences have now become “ideological”, specifically mentioning climate research. This is a danger that we must stand up to together. We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated and must not hope that anti-science campaigns will simply pass us by. Many people are coming up to us right now and saying: ‘You must carry on’.

Some people might argue that diversity ‘only’ affects women and minorities. Why should this issue concern us all?

Silvia: Everyone has characteristics that are unique to them, whether it’s age, origin, educational background, a disability, or neurological differences such as so-called neurodiversity. If people have fewer opportunities because of these characteristics, we lose out on skilled workers and talent. However, if we support these people, we gain new perspectives, and everyone benefits. Diversity and equal opportunities affect us all.

One important reason for promoting diversity is fairness. No one should be disadvantaged; that is enshrined in the Basic Law. Are there other reasons why we should promote diversity?

Ana: We know from numerous scientific studies that groups made up of diverse people often arrive at better solutions than homogeneous groups. While five experts with the same background may quickly agree on a solution to a problem, it may not be the best one. To avoid overlooking crucial aspects and to truly find new approaches, it is valuable to examine a problem from different perspectives. This applies not only to research, but also to administration and all other areas.

What practical challenges do you see?

Silvia: I believe we need to be more aware of the fact that we often judge too hastily. Our brains don’t carefully weigh things up; instead, they often judge based on visible characteristics such as age or gender. For instance, we tend to prefer hiring people who are quite similar to us. That is part of our human psychology. Only by becoming aware of this can we work to counteract it. This is why it’s important to reach out to more colleagues, particularly those who haven’t engaged much with this topic yet.

Ana: Often, just a little food for thought is enough to make us recognise and question our own prejudices. Researchers have found that raising awareness of unconscious biases and their harmful effects can help reduce them. For example, years ago, the British Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK produced a short video clip and a briefing for people responsible for recruitment, and it had a positive effect.

What is HZB doing to demonstrate its commitment to diversity?

Ana: The management takes this issue very seriously and attends many events. Diversity must be a top priority. We also communicate this to the public. For example, we have a stand at the Motzstraßenfest every July. Half a million people pass by, many of whom aren’t particularly interested in science, and we have great conversations with everyone. Members of parliament also visit us at the Motzstraßenfest and see how important equal opportunities and diversity are to us.

Silvia: We are also closely connected with the other Helmholtz Centres and are committed to ensuring that the Helmholtz Association, as Germany’s largest research organisation, publicly advocates for diversity. We must defend democratic values, and this requires broad societal participation, including and especially, from the scientific community. Specifically, we are preparing an event at HZB in the second half of the year to discuss the shift to the right and anti-democratic tendencies. What can and should the scientific community do to engage in societal discussions?

Why is this topic so close to your hearts also on a personal level?

Silvia: Openness and respect are, for me, very important values that hold our society together. Through our work, we can help to put them into practice at HZB. Even though differences of opinion can sometimes be exhausting, they add spice to life and help us to grow. I find it important to champion this time and again, and I enjoy doing so.

Ana: On the one hand, I am personally affected in some respects: as a woman, as a foreigner (and a Southern European at that) and as someone whose first language is not German. However, I also belong to a very privileged group, as I am European, highly educated and perceived as white. It is very important to me to always be mindful of my privileges. This is why I feel it is all the more important to play my part in making society a better place.