Diversity-Prize 2024

• Studies/profession:

Academic advisor, associate professor, at the Institute for the History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine.

• What are you being honoured for as a prize winner?

"Last year, he spoke to international media outlets, including the New York Times, Spiegel, Standard and Neue Zürcher Zeitung, about the invisibility of women in science. He has given lectures on the subject, for example to the Nobel Prize Committee in Stockholm and at the German Embassy. He has published some of his findings in the book “Wie man keinen Nobelpreis gewinnt” (How not to win a Nobel Prize) (Gräfe & Unzer, 2023). (...)"

• How long have you been involved in diversity at HHU?

Recognition and equal opportunities have been core topics in my ‘Prize Studies’ research group at HHU for several years. A sub-project funded by the BMBF focuses on the ‘gender award gap’, which has been little researched in German-speaking countries – why do men in particular receive the most prestigious research awards? (...)

• What motivated you to get involved?

The ‘gender award gap’ is of crucial relevance, as prizes and awards are considered indicators of professional achievement in research and have a significant impact on the further course of one's professional career. Prizes contribute to the visibility of recipients both in the scientific community and in the public eye.

• In your opinion, what can HHU do to continue, expand or support the results of the respective commitments?

New articles in specialist journals show that diverse research teams are simply more successful. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in this regard in Germany – and also at HHU.

• What would you like to see from HHU in the future with regard to diversity?

HHU already offers a lot in terms of diversity in research and teaching. For interfaculty networking, also in the sense of a civic university, the diversity portal is an important meeting place for planning further joint projects.

• What has been the response from colleagues and students?

I am particularly proud of my doctoral students, who have been able to explain diversity issues in various disciplines in their articles, for example in the fields of pathology (Elisa Malik), cardiology (Marie Drobietz), pharmacology (Michael Wiling), neurology (Lotte Palmen), dentistry (Lena Hense) and peace research (Leander Scheel). Their articles have contributed to a stimulating debate in the respective professional associations.

• Is there already a new project that you would like to tackle in the future and that you could already tell us about?

Our group will continue to focus on scientific awards to examine how excellence is staged, i.e. how certain achievements in science are selected and recognised as the most outstanding in the field. We hope that this work will open up new perspectives on scientific reward mechanisms.

• Studies/profession:

First degree: German language and literature, political science, second degree: Master of Business Administration, 2024: certified systemic consultant

• What are you being honoured for as an award winner?

“(...) Ms Janus has done an enormous amount for the university in recent years, especially with regard to refugees from all over the world. She took the initiative to offer preparatory German courses for refugees, giving many people the opportunity to realise their dream of a university degree. In doing so, she opened doors and created opportunities for refugees from various countries. (...)”

"I have known Ms Janus for many years as an extremely energetic member of staff at HHU. She is the deputy equal opportunities officer (MTV) and a member of the Sustainability Council. During our many encounters, her diverse commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and to helping people from different backgrounds became more than clear to me. In her current role, which includes the integration of refugees, Ms Janus is once again putting her heart and soul into her work."

• How long have you been involved in diversity at HHU?

Actually, I always have. For example, I spent more than a decade working with scholarships and fundraising and set up the ‘Chancen nutzen’ (Seize Opportunities) scholarship programme, half of which is funded by private sponsors. To date, the programme has various funding lines, e.g. for student parents, students without an academic educational background, etc. For about two years now, I have been involved in refugee projects at HHU. (...) Personally, I consider the process of integration and participation of the immigrant population and their descendants, for example in the areas of the labour market, education, sport or health, to be socially relevant. I am also committed to diversity in the context of my activities in the academic self-administration of the HHU. I am one of the deputies of the Central Equal Opportunities Officer (MTV) and a member of the Senate. (...)

• What motivated you to get involved?

For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in issues relating to discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity, and have read extensively on the subject. This led me to the personal realisation that heterogeneous groups often contribute a wide range of ideas and that diversity is fundamentally enriching for further development. As a former single mother working full-time, I know from personal experience the structural and psychological challenges that can arise from different living environments and starting conditions. I feel very privileged in my current life situation and, in a sense, also obliged to get personally involved.

• In your opinion, what can HHU do to continue, expand or support the results of the respective commitments?

With the HHU definition of sustainability – currently comprising the dimensions of diversity, health and environment – and the newly created structures, such as the HCSD or the Sustainability Council, I believe that HHU is already well on its way to promoting a culture of commitment and a paradigm shift. In the medium term, I believe additional resources are important. An open culture for initiatives by HHU members could also be strengthened by the credo ‘failure is allowed’.

• What would you like to see from HHU in terms of diversity in the future?

I think it's wonderful that diversity is firmly on the agenda at HHU (university development plan, starting on page 68). So I say, ‘Keep up the good work!’

• Why should others get involved?

In my opinion, commitment is fundamentally meaningful. Personal commitment to others inevitably provides incentives for one's own development and thus promotes solidarity, satisfaction and social and family cohesion, among other things.

• What is the response from colleagues or students?

My projects often find supporters among my colleagues. One of our current projects, the language buddy programme for refugees, is primarily supported by the student group. (...)

• Is there already a new project that you would like to tackle in the future and that you could already tell us about?

We are currently working on a new integration project at HHU. In the ‘Open Campus Summer School’, funded for three years by the Dr. Jost Henkel Foundation, 50 refugees are completing an intensive German course to prepare them for university studies and enjoying a varied programme. (...)

• Studies/profession:

Doctoral studies in chemistry, Master of Science degree in chemistry from HHU & training as a biological-technical assistant prior to studying chemistry.

• What are you being honoured for as an award winner?

"Jennifer Kremper shows extraordinary commitment through her efforts to increase the presence of women in the natural sciences. She uses her participation in workshops such as “Leadership Skills for Female Researchers” and the Diversity Fundamentals Workshop to raise awareness of the issue among those around her. Through her involvement in the Selma Meyer Mentoring Programme, she demonstrates that she not only strives for success herself, but also helps other women to find/consolidate their place in science. (...) Jennifer Kremper, a committed doctoral student in chemistry and former chair of the student council, is passionate about equality and equal opportunities. Her goal: to see more women in research and teaching and to put people at the centre of attention. Her selfless commitment and availability as a contact person have helped many students and improved life at the university."

• How long have you been involved in diversity at HHU?

Officially, since my second semester of my bachelor's degree (2016) within the HHU Chemistry Student Council. So for almost eight years now.

• What motivated you to get involved?

I have a deep, intrinsic need to improve the world and stand up for those who cannot do so themselves. Helping and supporting people fulfils me and gives my life meaning. (...) My own past has taught me what it is like not to fit into society. (...) I was involved in the examination board and the scientific institution (WE) for chemistry, as well as the study advisory board for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. There, I advocated for change to put an end to outdated stereotyping and the lack of acceptance for women and people with disabilities in the natural sciences.

• In your opinion, what can HHU do to continue, expand or support the results of these initiatives?

(...) A crucial point is diversification within the professoriate, especially in chemistry. There are many competent and academically excellent professors, but a real change in thinking can only come about through a shift towards a younger generation that has been socialised differently and has been familiar with the principles of equality from the outset. It is important that students' achievements are recognised and valued regardless of gender or appearance. In order to create a more diverse and inclusive environment, the appointment of more women and young men to academic positions should be promoted. I, for example, have the privilege of having a young doctoral supervisor who is actively committed to changing mindsets. (...)

• What would you like to see from HHU in terms of diversity in the future?

HHU is already doing a lot in the area of diversity and inclusion, but there is still potential for further improvement. I would like to see HHU promote and implement even stronger measures in the future that support a diverse and inclusive university community. This includes more intensive diversification of the professoriate by hiring more women and young men in order to break down outdated views and stereotypes. Flexible study models and part-time options should be offered more widely to support students who have to work alongside their studies. I would also like to see further expansion of disadvantage compensation for students with exam anxiety, for example, in order to create fair conditions and increase their chances of receiving scholarships. Regular training courses to raise awareness among professors and the establishment of further mentoring programmes such as the Selma Meyer Mentoring Programme for other disadvantaged groups. Overall, these measures could make HHU even more of a pioneer in diversity and inclusion and create an environment in which every student can reach their full potential.

• Why should others get involved?

(...) Through engagement, we can work together to break down barriers and overcome prejudices in order to promote a diverse and supportive community. It offers the opportunity to initiate changes that not only improve the lives of individuals, but also positively shape the environment for future generations. Every contribution counts and can lead to a world in which all people, regardless of their background, abilities or gender, receive equal opportunities and recognition. (...)

• What has been the response from colleagues and students?

The response from colleagues and students to our diversity initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciate the efforts to create an inclusive and equitable environment and feel better supported and recognised by the measures. Students report that they feel more comfortable and motivated in a more diverse environment. Colleagues also say that the increased promotion of diversity improves the working atmosphere and leads to more innovative and creative solutions. Overall, it is clear that efforts to promote diversity are not only met with approval, but also have a noticeable positive impact on university life as a whole.

• Is there already a new project that you would like to tackle in the future and that you could tell us about?

(...) One specific goal I am pursuing is active participation in the Selma Meyer Mentoring Programme, where I hope to soon be working as a mentor. This programme is very close to my heart, as it specifically aims to promote young women and underrepresented groups in science and give them access to valuable resources and networks. Through my participation, I would like to pass on my experience and knowledge and help to empower and inspire future generations of scientists, just as I have been able to do as a mentee of a wonderful mentor. (...)