short information, 20. August 2019

For diversity, open-mindedness, tolerance, and democracy.

At the UFZ, we are committed to democratic values and the fundamental rights of freedom of opinion, press, art and culture, science and religion. They are not negotiable since they are a prerequisite for the sustainable and peaceful development of our society. They are the basis for cutting-edge research and progress.

The great challenges of global change and climate change lying ahead of us require that we, as responsible scientists, work in a knowledge- and innovation-oriented manner. Thus we can provide the scientific fundamentals for our present and future lives. Therefore we need freedom in research, diversity of perspectives and freedom to think. We need open and critical debates in science and with society. Where the openness to dialogue has been lost, we must work together to regain it - also in order to put a stop to populism and fake news. This is more important than ever, particularly in environmental and climate research.

As an international research institution, we are convinced that diversity, tolerance and open-mindedness are the cornerstones of living democracy and guarantee the necessary freedom of research. Thus at UFZ and beyond we are committed to a society in which all people - regardless of their social, ethnic and cultural origin, gender and religion, mental and physical abilities, age and sexual orientation - treat each other respectfully and without fear.

As management and members of the Scientific Technical Council of the UFZ, we assume our responsibility in science and society and would like to encourage all UFZ employees and citizens to commit themselves to an open, diverse and non-discriminatory society in which we can learn from one another and develop together.

Prof. Dr. Georg Teutsch, Scientific Managing Director, UFZ
Dr. Sabine König, Administrative Managing Director, UFZ
Prof. Dr. Katja Bühler, Chairwoman of the Scientific and Technical Council at the UFZ

Further information

UFZ press office

Susanne Hufe
Phone: +49 341 235-1630
presse@ufz.de