RESIST supports equal opportunities

For RESIST it is of central importance to promote gender equality. To this end, it is important that family and career can be combined and individual life plans can be realised.

As RESIST is embedded in the MHH, it follows the MHH programme, which includes a number of measures (see figure). In addition, RESIST has also added its own components to achieve maximum flexibility and to be able to tailor everything to individual needs. These components are marked in dark blue in the figure. For example, mentoring and coaching can be organised and offered on an individual level.

Mentoring Programmes for female scientists

The MHH’s “Ellen Schmidt Programme” enables female scientists to complete their habilitation by taking time off from routine activities. Moreover, the MHH’s “Ina Pichlmayr Mentoring Programme” supports female postdoctoral students who are seeking a professorship in science. More information can be found on the homepage of the MHH Equal Opportunities Office (in German language).

BMBF Professorship programme

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is committed to increasing the number of female professors at German universities and therefore provides financial support for professorships of female scientists. Since 2008, six female professors were appointed at MHH with support by the BMBF programme, including the RESIST scientists Professor Dr. Susanne Häußler and Professor Dr. Doris Steinemann. More information on the BMBF’s women professorship programme can be found on the homepage of the BMBF (in German language).

Funding Support Programme

RESIST partner institutions offer numerous other programmes to promote equal opportunities. RESIST supports these measures. More information about equal opportunities can be found online at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo).

Re-Entry Programme

Female clinician scientists in RESIST who are returning from parental leave can apply for our Re-Entry programme. Suitable candidates can be supported with a proportionate funding of their own position for up to two years and take a simultaneous leave from clinical work. This measure gives supported females the opportunity to advance their scientific career without the rush of daily clinical practice. A support by a RESIST-funded technical assistant can also be applied for.

Mentoring / Coaching

RESIST is currently establishing a network through which women scientists can support each other. In addition, professional coaching can be offered to female RESIST researchers.

DFG Poolen Programme

RESIST researchers can participate in the MHH’s “DFG Poolen Programme” via the MHH Equal Opportunities Office. This includes workshops and events dealing with topics such as team leadership, conflict management and self-presentation. In agreement with the RESIST Management, RESIST will pay the participation fee. More information (in German language) can be found on the homepage of the MHH Equal Opportunities Office.

Children Day Care

At the MHH there are 400 full-day care places for children of crèche, kindergarten and school age, including pre-school and after-school care. All three day care centres are bilingual (German/English). Day care is offered between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., also during school holidays.

Emergency Child Care

RESIST employees can also take advantage of the emergency childcare at MHH in cooperation with pme Familienservice GmbH and with Fluxx, childcare services offered by the capital and region Hannover. You can find more information on the relevant website of the MHH Equal Opportunities Office.

Maternity Support

RESIST scientists can apply for a RESIST-funded student assistant or technical assistant as support during pregnancy or parental leave.