Equality Survey 2025
In October 2025, the Equality Working Group will conduct its first survey on discrimination among all members of the department, i.e., all students and staff. The questions in the survey were developed jointly by the Equality Working Group, the “Diversity* in Physics Bonn” group, and the Student Council's equality group. The link to the survey will be sent to department members by email. The collected data will first be reviewed by an external body, the University of Bonn's Equal Opportunities Office, for possible conflicts or problems regarding anonymity. The data will then be evaluated by the head of the Equality Working Group, again with the aim of avoiding personal conflicts or the identification of individual persons. The results of the survey will then be announced by the Equality Working Group within the department. The aim of this process is to obtain as fair and accurate a picture as possible. Important: this is a survey by physicists for physicists – with the spirit of research that is customary among physicists. Feedback and criticism are very welcome (contact). The aim of the survey is to find out what can be improved and how!
Equality in the Physics/Astronomy Department
The Physics/Astronomy Department is actively involved in both its own initiatives and the University of Bonn's equality concept with the aim of creating a fair and healthy environment for all students and staff. A key objective is to promote the visibility and satisfaction of women* in all areas of physics, from undergraduate studies to cutting-edge research.
The Physics/Astronomy Equality Working Group is the point of contact for issues relating to equality, gender equality, or gender discrimination in the department. The working group brings together members of the teaching staff, employees, and students to improve the working environment for all physics/astronomy enthusiasts in Bonn. In particular, the working group is working to implement the goals defined in the department's equality plan. The working group can be reached at the following email address: gleichstellung@physik.uni-bonn.de.
Harassment, assault, or other incidents can also be reported anonymously via the discrimination reporting system of the university's central equal opportunities office.
The guideline on protection against sexual discrimination and violence was published on March 2, 2023, and describes standards of conduct, procedures, and possible responses when dealing with sexual discrimination and violence at the University of Bonn.
Equality Working Group Team
Opportunities for networking are provided by events such as student council meetings, seminars, and lectures, as well as informal gatherings, which are listed in the calendars and email distribution lists of the organizations below.
Student Council's Equality Group
The Equality Group of the Physics/Astronomy Student Council serves as a point of contact for students with questions, suggestions, or problems. The group works to improve awareness and sensitivity to equality issues in the Physics/Astronomy Department, with the goal of creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all students.
Diversity* in Physics Bonn
The aim of this initiative is to give female students and young female scientists in physics and astronomy the opportunity to network. Both informal meetings and lectures with renowned speakers highlight career prospects for female physicists and address gender equality issues. You can subscribe to a mailing list to receive information about event dates.
Equal opportunities at the AIfA
At the Argelander Institute for Astronomy, a team of scientists and students serves as a point of contact for matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic and research environment. Institute members can discuss and learn about these topics through a variety of offerings.
The Physics/Astronomy Department participates in various initiatives, such as the nationwide Girls' Day or the "Schnupper-Uni" program offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, in order to spark and encourage interest in physics among female students.
Girls'Day
On Girls' Day, which takes place across Germany, girls have the opportunity to discover careers in technology, IT, skilled trades, and natural sciences. The Physics/Astronomy Department also participates every year with events for female students from the 5th grade onwards.
Schnupper-Uni "Perspektive Math-Nat!" für Schülerinnen
The "Schnupper-Uni" is aimed at female students who are interested in mathematics and natural sciences and are considering learning more about a subject in this field and perhaps studying it later. The Physics/Astronomy Department participates every year in the program, which is organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Equality at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a broad portfolio of measures for equality.
Equality in student life
The student representative of the central equal opportunities officer is committed to promoting gender equality in higher education across the university.
Gender Equality Office of the University Bonn
Point of contact for all members of the university regarding issues relating to equality, gender justice, or discrimination based on gender