BIH Diversity Week

From May 27-31, 2024, the BIH is organizing a Diversity Week for the first time. With the Diversity Week, we want to celebrate the inclusive research and work culture at the BIH, raise awareness of diversity, equality and inclusion, network and support each other.
Dear colleagues,
We warmly invite you to join us for the Diversity Week from 27 to 31 May!
The idea behind the Diversity Week is to create an opportunity to shine a spotlight on diversity, equity and inclusion, and to celebrate their importance and significance together.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are not just words. They are the foundation for a respectful working environment and good collaboration, but also crucial for fostering the creativity and innovation that drive scientific success.
However, a diverse and inclusive working environment does not happen by itself. It requires the combined efforts and commitment of everyone involved. The Diversity Week invites everyone at the BIH to be inspired, to share experiences, to raise awareness of diversity and empowerment, and to be inspired to take concrete action.
Our programme includes a wide range of enriching events with different formats and focuses, from workshops to social activities to academic lectures. The programme offers insights into different dimensions of diversity and does not claim to cover all forms of discrimination and facets of diversity. Other important areas will be dealt with appropriately at another time.
Events will be held in German and/or English and we offer face-to-face, online and hybrid formats.
Let us come together in large numbers to make a strong statement for diversity and anti-discrimination and to build an inclusive future together!
Registration here!
Monday 27th May
10:45-11:45 Workshop Inklusive Sprache von In-Visibile at Spreepalais (Online, Deutsch)
Ein einstündiger interaktiver Vortrag mit Austauschrunden zu barrierearmer, diversitätssensibler und geschlechtergerechter Sprache. Teilnehmer*innen lernen, wie sie respektvoll mit Menschen verschiedenster Hintergründe kommunizieren können und erhalten praktische Tipps für den Einsatz inklusiver Sprache im Alltag und am Arbeitsplatz. Reflexionsübungen helfen dabei, den eigenen Sprachgebrauch zu überdenken, und es besteht die Möglichkeit, Fragen zum Thema zu stellen.
Anmeldung erforderlich
12:00-14:00 Community Lunch at Spreepalais
Networking over lunch: Everyone brings their own lunch and can share it with colleagues and chat in a relaxed atmosphere across teams and departments, making new contacts and exchanging ideas about projects or interesting (diversity-related) topics. It's a great way to get to know each other and strengthen the team culture.
13:00-14:00 Open Consultation and Get to Know Each Other First Contact Points (FCP) at Spreepalais
An opportunity to meet some of your colleagues from the First Contact Point team in a relaxed atmosphere, find out more about the work of the FCPs or even talk confidentially about your concerns.
15:30-20:00 Opening Diversity Week at Rahel Hirsch Center (hybrid)
15:30 Official opening by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Dirnagl, Dr. Doris Meder and Karin Höhne
16:00 Keynote speech by Dr. Bontu Guschke: The Persistence of Sexism and Racism at Universities
This keynote speech examines the persistence of sexism and racism in university workplaces and emphasises the importance of understanding how these forms of discrimination are perpetuated. It highlights the organisational structures of universities as crucial factors in shaping experiences of harassment and discrimination, and underlines their impact on knowledge production and social dynamics. Using discourse and affect analysis, the presentation explores the intersectional reproduction of harassment and discrimination in the workplace, identifying institutional and individual factors at play. It also discusses how contextual elements within universities exacerbate these issues, including competition, hierarchy and the normalisation of precarity. Drawing on dis/organisation theory and feminist perspectives, it examines the invisibility and silence surrounding harassment and discrimination and proposes organisational practices to address these issues effectively.
Dr Bontu Lucie Guschke, Lecturer at Copenhagen Business School, researches queer and anti-racist feminist theory. She is particularly interested in intersectional feminist organisational analysis, queer feminist theory, anti-racism research and feminist epistemologies. Her dissertation is on the persistence of sexism and racism in universities. Her work has been published in international journals and she is editor of Femina Politica and Women, Gender and Research.
17:30 Networking over drinks and Exhibition of the prevention and awareness campaign "Art and Awareness - Poster for a Working Culture with Diveristy, Equity and Inclusion"
Registration required for participation on site
Online participation via link
Tuesday 28th May
09:00-09:45 Start the Day with Breathwork Pranayama (Spreepalais, hybrid, English)
We rarely take time for breath exercises – even when we consider ourselves regular Yoga practitioners. I will teach you and guide you through the most popular breath exercises from Nadi Shodana to Bhastrika to then finish off with a short Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) practice.
Aurelie Vasanta
Aurelie has been working at Quest Center as a student assistant from early 2021. She is responsible for the electronic lab notebook implementation at Charité an BIH and supports the Evaluation team. She discovered Yoga as holistic well-being practice in her early twenties and completed a Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher training in the South of India in 2023. Since then she has been teaching Yoga to colleagues at Quest and in various studios in Berlin.
Registration necessary12:00-13:00 Open Consultation and Get to Know Each Other First Contact Points (FCP) at Campus Berlin-Buch
An opportunity to meet some of your colleagues from the First Contact Point team in a relaxed atmosphere, find out more about the work of the FCPs or even talk confidentially about your concerns.
12:00-14:00 Community Lunch at Campus Berlin Buch
Networking over lunch: Everyone brings their own lunch and can share it with colleagues and chat in a relaxed atmosphere across teams and departments, making new contacts and exchanging ideas about projects or interesting (diversity-related) topics. It's a great way to get to know each other and strengthen the team culture.
15:00-17:00 First Meeting of Severely Disabled and Equally Disabled Persons at BIH: Experience Exchange and Improvement of Inclusion
As part of the BIH Diversity Week, the first meeting of severely disabled and equally disabled persons at BIH will take place. This closed event serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and developing strategies to improve inclusion and working conditions at the institute.
The event aims to identify the specific needs and challenges of severely disabled and equally disabled persons at BIH and to discuss potential solutions. Such a meeting not only fosters the exchange of experiences and best practices but also contributes to raising awareness and sensitization within the organization.
The event highlights BIH's commitment to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees—regardless of their physical or health conditions—can reach their full potential. It represents an important step towards an equitable and supportive work culture that promotes innovation and excellence in scientific research.
If you belong to the mentioned group and would like to participate in the meeting but have not yet informed the employer, we kindly ask you to contact us via email at sbv-bih@bih-charite.de.
16:00-20:00 Fest der Vielfalt (Charité)
Diversity Day on 28 May 2024 at Campus Mitte - the Festival of Diversity will provide space for exchange and networking for all Charité employees.
Das „Netzwerk Diversity - gelebte Vielfalt an der Charité“ lädt alle Beschäftigten und Studierenden zum „Fest der Vielfalt 2024“ ein!Zum Tag der Vielfalt am 28. Mai 2024 laden wir erneut alle Beschäftigten und Studierenden zum Fest der Vielfalt ein
Zeit: 16:00 - 19:00 Uhr
Ort: Kleine Mensa im CCK, Charité-Campus in Mitte einProgramm
16:00 - 16:15 Ankommen und Begrüßung
Grußworte: Cansel Kiziltepe (SenGIVA) (angefragt), Carla Eysel (Vorstand für Personal und Pflege) (angefragt), Astrid Lurati (Vorstand für Finanzen und Infrastruktur) (angefragt)16:15 - 16:30 Musik: Chinesischer Akademikerchor Berlin
16:30 - 17:30 Kennenlernen und Vernetzung verschiedener Charité-Angebote
ab 17:30 Büffet und get together
Mit dabei:
- QueerNetzwerk
- BIPOC-Netzwerk
- Steering Committee Gleichstellung,
- Diversität, Inklusion
- Stabsstelle Internationales
- Stabsstelle Familie und Charité
- Arbeitsmedizinisches Zentrum
- Schwerbehindertenvertretung
- Empowerment für Diversität
Teilnahme: Eine Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich. Alle sind herzliche willkommen!
Wednesday 29th May
09:00-12:00 Werde Stammtischkämpfer*in - Workshop gegen rechte und rassistische Parolen (Online, Deutsch)
Wir alle kennen das: Auf der Arbeit, im Sportverein, in der Familie oder auf der Straße fallen Sprüche, die uns die Sprache verschlagen. Später ärgern wir uns, hätten gerne den Mund aufgemacht.
Hier setzt das interaktive Online-Seminar Stammtischkämpfer*innen an. Es soll Menschen in die Lage versetzen, die Schrecksekunde zu überwinden, Position zu beziehen und deutlich zu machen: Das nehmen wir nicht länger hin! In Theorie und Praxis werden gängige rechte Positionen untersucht und geübt, das Wort zu ergreifen und für solidarische Alternativen zu streiten statt für Ausgrenzung und Rassismus.
Begrenzte Teilnehmer*innenzahl:12
Anmeldung erforderlich
12:00-14:00 Community Lunch at Rahel Hirsch Center for Translational Medicine
Networking over lunch: Everyone brings their own lunch and can share it with colleagues and chat in a relaxed atmosphere across teams and departments, making new contacts and exchanging ideas about projects or interesting (diversity-related) topics. It's a great way to get to know each other and strengthen the team culture.
12:00-13:00 Open Consultation and Get to Know Each Other First Contact Points (FCP) at Campus Berlin-Buch Rahel Hirsch Center for Translational Medicine
An opportunity to meet some of your colleagues from the First Contact Point team in a relaxed atmosphere, find out more about the work of the FCPs or even talk confidentially about your concerns.
16:00-19:00 Diversithon - Edit-a-thon at Rahel Hirsch Center for Translational Medicine
Only 17-18% of English and 16% of German biographies on Wikipedia are about women; people of colour and other marginalised groups are also underrepresented in Wikipedia. Join experienced members of the WomenEdit Group Berlin in creating and editing Wikipedia articles to make Wikipedia more diverse! No experience necessary.
Registration necessary
Thursday 30th May
10:45-11:45 Workshop Inclusive Language by In-Visbile (Online, English)
A one-hour interactive lecture and discussion session on accessible, diversity and gender inclusive language. Participants will learn how to communicate respectfully with people from different backgrounds and will be given practical tips on how to use inclusive language in everyday life and in the workplace. Reflection exercises will help participants to reflect on their own use of language and there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the topic.
Registration necessary
12:00-14:00 Community Lunch with Women in Science Netzwerk at Virchow Campus
Networking over lunch: Everyone brings their own lunch and can share it with colleagues and chat in a relaxed atmosphere across teams and departments, getting to know the Women in Science Network, making new contacts and exchanging ideas about projects or interesting (diversity-related) topics. It's a great way to get to know each other and strengthen the team culture.
13:00-14:00 Open Consultation and Get to Know Each Other First Contact Points (FCP) at BCRT
An opportunity to meet some of your colleagues from the First Contact Point team in a relaxed atmosphere, find out more about the work of the FCPs or even talk confidentially about your concerns.
16:00-17:15 Yoga Asana at Rahel Hirsch Center for Translational Medicine (Englisch)
When people say “Yoga” outside of India they most of the time refer to a part of the Yoga practice that is called “Asana” which actually refers to the physical exercise part of the Yoga. Yoga as a whole concept can be seen more as a philosophy about well-being consisting of several elements. We will practice Yoga Asana together while incorporating some other aspects of Yoga like breath work (Pranayama). Hatha Yoga has a more grounding asana practice compared to for example Vinyasa Yoga. We work a lot with traditional poses that are held longer and it's less flowy than you might be used to from other classes in Berlin (Berlin people seem to love the sweaty Vinyasa style). I like to start every session with some breath work and a few sun salutations (Surya Namaskara) to then dive into other poses. Every class of mine ends with working on inversions (shoulder stand and yes! headstand) to then go into stillness (savasana). I will adapt to your level and experience during the session so feel most welcome to come as a complete newbie. Please bring a yoga or fitness mat and wear clothes that you feel comfortable with.
Aurelie Vasanta
Aurelie has been working at Quest Center as a student assistant from early 2021. She is responsible for the electronic lab notebook implementation at Charité an BIH and supports the Evaluation team. She discovered Yoga as holistic well-being practice in her early twenties and completed a Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher training in the South of India in 2023. Since then she has been teaching Yoga to colleagues at Quest and in various studios in Berlin.Registration necessary
Friday 31st May
10:00-12:00 Digital consultation hour on hate speech and cyberbullying in science communication (English and German)
Corona & Co: The chaotic liaison between social media and science communication
In this digital event, designed as an open consultation hour, Prof Dr Konstanze Marx (University of Greifswald) will give a keynote speech on how the coronavirus pandemic has opened up new dimensions for science communication in social media. Using specific examples, she will explain how scientists suddenly found themselves the protagonists of artificially created feuds, how they were exposed to hatred and agitation, and how they developed strategies of counter-speech that serve as models for successful social media communication. There will then be time for questions and dialogue.Konstanze Marx
Konstanze Marx is Professor of German Linguistics at the Institute of German Philology at the University of Greifswald. She obtained her doctorate at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena with a neurolinguistic thesis on text comprehension and her habilitation at the Technical University of Berlin with a thesis on the discourse phenomenon of cyberbullying. She then worked as a Professor of German Linguistics at the Pragmatics Department of the Leibniz Institute for the German Language in Mannheim and at the University of Mannheim. She specialises in internet linguistics, discourse and text linguistics, research on the language-cognition-emotion relationship and media-linguistic prevention. She is the winner of Edition F's 25 Women Award and a research partner of the Leibniz Institute for German Language in Mannheim.Registration necessary
15:00-17:00 WLINTA* 15:00-17:00 Self-defense Course at Rahel Hirsch Center (English and German)
Self-defense with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for WLINTA*
As part of BIH Diversity Week, we are offering you a self-defense course. Self-defense techniques can support you in self-assertion and so can be empowering. The course is aimed at WLINTA* (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) in order to provide a safe(r) environment. If you identify as any of the above, you are most welcome. We will not question any bodies that come along.
The course is based on techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that is very effective in self-defense situations where:
- there is only one attacker
- the attacker has no weapons
- the distance to the attacker is small or there is little space
During the course you will learn how to control the distance to a person, neutralize/interrupt physical contact and incapacitate the attacker by applying BJJ techniques.
Trainers will be Anna-Fee and Dânia:
Dânia is a BJJ purple belt at Gracie Berlin, where she is training since 2017. At 35 years old, she is an active competitor and has won gold at IBJJF European Championship in blue and purple belts in 2020 and 2023 (Rooster weight, Master 1) and silver at Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2022 at purple belt (49kg). When she is not at the mats, Dânia is a foodie and enjoys traveling to explore new cultures and flavors.
Anna-Fee, 34 years old, and a BJJ purple belt training for 4 1/2 years. Her biggest success was winning the IBJJF European Championship as a blue belt this year (Rooster weight, Master 1). Before she started BJJ, she danced and taught ballet for more than 20 years. Her other passion is teaching, so outside the gym she works at a school teaching English and German to teenagers. She's happy to get to merge her two passions with this self-defence course!
Registration necessary
Info
Registration for all events requiring registration here!

Program
BIH Diversity Week Program as PDF.
[Translate to englisch:]
[Translate to englisch:]| Location | Adress |
|---|---|
| Spreepalais | 5th floor, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, D-10178 Berlin |
| Rahel Hirsch Center for Translational Medicine | Luisenstr. 65, 10117 Berlin |
| Campus Virchow Klinikum | Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin |
| Campus Berlin-Buch | Käthe-Beutler-Haus, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin Campus Mitte |