Equal Opportunities Commitment and Support

The University of Münster is committed to fostering an equal, inclusive, and accessible learning and work environment and values the social and cultural differences and diverse identities of its members. This is why the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion cut across all areas and practices and are central to the University’s mission. As a research-focused institution, the University of Münster understands that academic excellence is only possible if individuals and groups of diverse experiences and identities are brought together to share their perspectives in an open and respectful environment. It proactively strives to challenge institutional and systemic barriers at all levels, to ensure full and equal participation of all members of the University, and to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, age, (dis-)ability, social background, sexual orientation, and religion.

The University’s broad, proven, multifaceted, and dynamic measures to ensure equal opportunities are fully implemented within the MDC project. For this purpose, the project’s own Equity Council will inform about, initiate, and coordinate all equal opportunities measures within the project and its partner network; it is also in charge of quality control once measures are implemented.

Since all fellows will be employed under the University’s standard work contracts, they come under the full protection of equality regulations of employment by the Federal State of North-Rhine Westphalia, including provisions for family allowance, regulations for maternity leave, full social security benefits, and health care. In addition, fellows taking up their tenure with a spouse or partner will receive the full support of the University’s Dual Career Service. Thus, career advice will not only be given to the fellows themselves but also to their spouses or partners, including support in procuring employment of spouses or partners during fellowship tenures, should this be desired. Fellows arriving with children will furthermore be supported by the University’s Servicebüro Familie in issues ranging from finding places in kindergartens or schools to emergency nanny services.