Diversity Prize 2025: These heroes celebrate diversity at HHU!

Diversity Prize 2025: These heroes celebrate diversity at HHU!

The Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) awarded the Diversity Prize for the seventh time on May 27, 2025 in the CEDUS Open Working Space. This award honors committed people who are committed to diversity and fair coexistence. Loud HHU The laudatory speech was given by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Heidrun Dorgeloh, who introduced the award winners: Prof. Dr. Lena Daumann, Larissa Sieben and Elif Benli.

The prize, which has been awarded since 2019, is established by a committee made up of representatives from all status groups at the university. One person from each of the categories of professors, academic staff, non-academic staff and students will be honored, which reflects the comprehensive promotion of diversity and equal opportunities Diversity HHU explained.

The award winners in detail

Prof. Dr. Lena Daumann studied chemistry at the University of Heidelberg and received her doctorate from the University of Queensland. In 2023 she took over the chair for bioinorganic chemistry at the HHU. Her commitment to diversity and equity is evident in the planning of a pregnancy-friendly laboratory to advance inclusion in science.

Larissa Sieben, who has been working in the HHU Botanical Garden since 2012 and has been leading the training there since 2016, is committed to equal opportunities and biodiversity. She overcomes bureaucratic hurdles to promote diversity in training and create a respectful learning environment.

Elif Benli, bachelor's student in linguistics and computer science and AStA chairwoman, is committed to disadvantaged, queer and migrant students. She initiated numerous events to promote coexistence on campus, which demonstrates her extensive support for diversity.

The concept of diversity and inclusion

The award of the Diversity Prize not only aims to recognize individualized achievements, but also to emphasize the important role of diversity in institutions. The understanding of diversity, as on PSI mentioned means appreciation of the diversity of people and their characteristics. Inclusion promotes the inclusion of different people in society and the education system and describes the participation of all employees, regardless of their position or function.

The Diversity Prize at HHU is an example of the active fight against prejudices and physical and psychological barriers. The award not only honors deserving individuals, but also promotes the essence of diversity and inclusion as a basis for respectful and equitable collaboration at the university.