BIH Values
The BIH stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a member of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessments (CoARA), we are also committed to ensuring fair evaluations of research, researchers, and research institutions. Our goal is to foster a positive working environment and provide adequate support for our staff.
Equal opportunities, diversity and a positive working environment
The BIH aims to conduct research that delivers relevant medical benefits for patients and the public. This can only be achieved if a wide range of perspectives and experiences are actively incorporated into our academic and non-academic departments. The Institute is therefore committed to creating a working environment free from discrimination and an organisational culture that is sensitive to diversity.
Our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit provides information and training on diversity and inclusion, but also offers support on issues such as...
- ... the advancement of female researchers and trans*, inter* and non-binary researchers,
- ... work-life balance and...
- ... disadvantage, discrimination and harassment.
At the same time, the BIH embraces a philosophy of positive work relationships. To this end, we offer more than just workshops and events. Within the Institute, there are also several points of contact where those affected – for example, in cases of discrimination, sexism or abuse of power – can seek advice and assistance. These include, amongst others, the First Contact Points, our Equal Opportunities Unit and the Staff Council.
Reform of the evaluation of research and researchers
In the past, the assessment of research outcomes, researchers and institutions as a whole has relied primarily on quantitative criteria, such as the h-index or the impact factor. However, these have long been the subject of criticism because, for example, ...
- ... place too little emphasis on the quality of ideas and scientific content,
- ... fail to take into account subject-specific characteristics or the individual life circumstances and career paths of researchers, and
- ... provide wrong incentives that are geared towards ticking off these criteria rather than towards gaining new insights.
This can lead to the disadvantage of certain researchers, e.g.
- ... younger researchers or early-career academics,
- ... researchers from disciplines with a low volume of publications, or
- ... researchers from specialised fields.
The BIH is therefore participating in the reform of evaluation criteria in the academic sector. In doing so, we aim to place greater emphasis on the quality of the research produced and to contribute to the development of new evaluation criteria, tools and processes.
