Providing Support

ML4Q focuses on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome, comfortable and valued. To achieve this, we have established measures that aim in particular to balance science and family and to actively support female scientists. Furthermore, there is a focus on ensuring transparent and low-threshold support management in case of any form of discrimination in the cluster.

Balancing science and family

ML4Q participates in the Stellenpooling of the University of Cologne. Members and associated members of the cluster can contact us if they need childcare and together with the Dual Career and Family Support we try to arrange a childcare place in one of the facilities of the Fröbel Group. Currently, several members take advantage of this opportunity.

At all sites of the cluster there is the possibility to combine work with childcare responsibilities in the best possible way in specially equipped family rooms. In addition to a diaper-changing station, crib and a comfortable seat, various toys offer the opportunity to keep children of different ages happy. In addition, these rooms are designed as individual workplaces and thus provide a protected environment in which, for example, lactation can take place without being disturbed.

Family rooms are located at each institution:

University of Cologne/Department of Physics
University of Bonn
RWTH Aachen
Forschungszentrum Jülich

To ensure a balance between science and family beyond the usual environment, ML4Q asks for individual needs for privacy at its own events (e.g. annual conference). For example, people with caring responsibilities should be given the opportunity to bring their children with them and, if necessary, to have access to a room specifically for their needs. In addition to the possibility for parents and lactating persons to have privacy, this room is of course also available for other needs, such as praying, and thus ensures that the diverse needs of our members are taken into account at all times.

Supporting female scientists

ML4Q actively creates incentives to hire and support female scientists especially in the crucial postdoc phase. Additional funds provided can be used to support the newly hired female postdoc in pursuing further qualifications in academia and in her active research.
Several female postdocs in the cluster benefit from this measure.

Support in the event of discriminatory behaviour

ML4Q has a zero tolerance policy towards any discriminatory behaviour. Those affected by or witnessing discriminatory behaviour have the opportunity to address their concerns to the Diversity Stewards set up specifically at each site. These low-threshold contact points provide a safe and confidential environment in which experiences can be reported openly and where those affected can receive support.
Another option is to contact the cluster’s Equal Opportunities & Diversity Officer.​