University of Hohenheim: Top winner in diversity 2025!

University of Hohenheim: Top winner in diversity 2025!

The University of Hohenheim has distinguished itself as a leading institution in the promotion of diversity and diversity in 2025. It takes third place in Germany and second place in Baden-Württemberg in the diversity category. The university has received this remarkable recognition in the form of the “Role Model in Diversity 2025” award from the F.A.Z. Institute for the third time in a row. This honor is given because of its inclusive corporate culture, which not only values ​​but actively promotes diversity.

The award is the result of a comprehensive evaluation process in which the University of Hohenheim achieved a total of 87.2 out of 100 points. The assessment was carried out through a study carried out from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2025 and analyzed 17,000 companies. Thematic areas such as equality, fairness and gender shift were taken into account, each accounting for 33% of the evaluation. In this extensive study, social media monitoring and AI analyzes were also used to determine the status of diversity initiatives, as documented by the F.A.Z. Institute.

Diversity as a key factor

The importance of diversity will be seen as a crucial success factor for companies in 2025. Employers who anchor diversity and equality in their corporate culture create an appreciative environment for talent. This is recognized as central to the development, participation and advancement of all employees. According to a comprehensive study carried out as part of the “Role Model in Diversity & Diversity 2025” project, companies are required to actively participate in creating a fair working environment.

The University of Hohenheim implements a variety of measures in its commitment to diversity. This includes the formation of a new Senate Diversity Commission, which will support the implementation of relevant strategies. The cooperation with the *Arbeiterkind e.V.* association will also be continued in order to support students from educationally disadvantaged families. An expanded onboarding program for new employees and workshops to raise managerial awareness of diversity are also part of future efforts.

Challenges for companies

Despite the efforts, a survey by the EY European DEI Index 2024 shows that there is often a discrepancy between external representation and the internal reality in companies. Managers tend to be more optimistic about their progress in the areas of diversity and inclusion than employees. These different perceptions can lead to frustration and strain the company culture. Therefore, clear, transparent communication about diversity initiatives both internally and externally is critical to avoid misunderstandings and promote engagement. The University of Hohenheim is also addressing these challenges with a new “Diversity Guide” and a “Guide to Gender-Equitable Language”.

Overall, the University of Hohenheim's initiative shows that a well-thought-out and long-term strategy for diversity is the cornerstone of a successful and inclusive university culture. These developments are not only a benefit for the university itself, but also provide important impetus for other institutions and companies that want to actively pursue the path to diversity and equal opportunities. The awards and recognitions such as those from the F.A.Z. Institute underline the relevance of diversity in today's working world and the potential it holds for society and individual individuals.