In a world where equity is not yet reached, advancing equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity are important elements of the applied scientific culture and strategic decisions at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). PIK regards diversity of its staff and guests as fundamental in order to achieve an inspiring and productive atmosphere, and to keep PIK at the scientific frontier. To fulfil this mission, PIK seeks to foster a positive and inclusive institution al culture to which every individual contributes and in which they can develop their full potential. PIK aims to achieve an environment, where nobody faces discrimination due to categories such as age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, ethnic identity, socio-economic background, care responsibilities, religious beliefs and practices, or worldviews.
Building a diverse institute that holds to its core values requires sustained, systematic and focused efforts. To this end, PIK has numerous ongoing activities. For example, the PIK community regularly elects their diversity representatives for a two-year period, to formalize the institute's commitment to diversity. Moreover, a self-organized group, PIK Diversity, emerged gathering members of staff, students and guest researchers, with the aim of strengthening the PIK community and supporting it in becoming more:
- welcoming and attractive to a diverse group of people
- successful in creating an inspiring and inclusive scientific and social culture, and
- supportive of employees and guests in overcoming barriers due to a lack of diversity recognition.
PIK Diversity endeavors to understand the diversity characteristics of the PIK community through the lenses of inclusion, anti-discrimination and intersectionality. The group develops suggestions for altering and improving procedures and processes at PIK, and works towards the implementation of any agreed measures. The PIK directors have expressed their commitment to supporting the work of PIK Diversity since its beginnings, and are committed to facilitating their efforts. Members and guest s of PIK are welcome to join the group and contribute their perspectives at any time. To join the working group, please contact the Diversity Representatives at diversity_reps@pik-potsdam.de. To receive information about the work of PIK Diversity, you can join the PIK Diversity mailing list:
https://www.listserv.dfn.de/sympa/info/pik-talk-diversity.
Signed on 23.05.2022 by
Prof. Dr. J Rockström, Scientific Director
Prof. Dr. O. Edenhofer, Scientific Director
Dr. B. Hörstrup, Administrative Director
