Leading by example in diversity 2023:
F.A.Z. Institute honors Hohenheim University [17.10.23]
Among universities, the University of Hohenheim ranks 10th in Germany and second in Baden-Württemberg.
The University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart is a “role model for diversity” according to a study by the F.A.Z. Institute. It certifies that the university has an inclusive corporate culture that lives out the principles of equal opportunity and gender fairness. This means that it “values and promotes staff diversity, regardless of gender or background,” according to the study. Among universities, Hohenheim is number ten nationwide, and in Baden-Württemberg it ranks second. In total, the F.A.Z. Institute presented the distinction to 560 companies. This year, the University of Hohenheim also became one of the first two universities in Germany to receive the “diversity-friendly university” audit certificate.
Whether it comes to gender or age, ethnic origin or religion, sexual orientation, family situation, or social background: The University of Hohenheim actively opposes discrimination of any kind. For this, the F.A.Z. Institute presented it with the “Role Model in Diversity 2023” award.
“We are delighted that our systematic efforts to achieve equal opportunities for all has been honored with this award,” stated Prof. Dr. Ute Mackenstedt, the gender equality representative at the University of Hohenheim. She was also in charge of the “audit vielfaltsgerechte hochschule,” for which the University of Hohenheim was one of the first two universities to receive the certificate in June 2023.
“As part of the certification process, we developed a comprehensive action program for sustainable diversity management that provides concrete measures for further improvements,” said Prof. Dr. Mackenstedt. For example, the university’s website is to have improved accessibility, managers are to be sensitized to the topic of diversity, and the buddy system for foreign students is to be strengthened. A newly established Senate Committee on Diversity will oversee the implementation of the measures.
2nd place among universities in Baden-Württemberg
If only the universities are considered in the study by the F.A.Z. Institute, Hohenheim ranks 10th in Germany with 73.4 out of 100 points and second in Baden-Württemberg after the University of Konstanz. In the category “state universities,” in which all types of higher education institutions are combined, a total of 36 higher education institutions received the award.
The study by the F.A.Z. Institute evaluated social listening data for about 19,000 companies from 16 August 2022 to 15 August 2023. The analysis looked at the three topics of equality, fairness, and gender shift, each weighted equally in the evaluation. At the same time, an online survey was conducted in which the University of Hohenheim did not participate. The criteria were evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100 by industry. At least 60 points in the overall ranking are required to be honored by the Institute.
The F.A.Z. Institut für Management-, Markt- und Medieninformationen GmbH is a company of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung publishing group. The study was accompanied by the IMWF Institute for Management and Economic Research as scientific partner.
Additional information
Text: Elsner
Contact for press:
Prof. Dr. Ute Mackenstedt, University of Hohenheim Gender Equality and Diversity Office,
T +49 711 459-22275, E mackenstedt@uni-hohenheim.de
