New Prevention Project “Safe(r) Place HI ERN”
19 June 2026
The “Safe(r) Place HI ERN” prevention project is an initiative by the institute to raise awareness of sexual violence and discrimination early on and to promote a respectful and safe work environment. The project is designed as a preventive approach to develop and strengthen existing structures before conflicts arise.
As a pilot project of the Forschungszentrum Jülich, “Safe(r) Place HI ERN” is supported by the Equal Opportunities Bureau there and the Equal Opportunities Officer, Cornelia Schlebusch. The project includes various activities that provide guidance, ensure confidence in taking action, and establish preventive measures as part of everyday work.
A key component are various training sessions for all colleagues designed to raise awareness of topics such as respect for personal boundaries, discrimination, and sexual violence, and to establish a shared knowledge base on these issues. These sessions specifically address different needs and provide customised training for managers, employees, and multipliers based on their respective roles and responsibilities. The training sessions will take place in June and July via Zoom and will be moderated by Dr. Bontu Lucie Guschke. Future employees will use an e-learning module to supplement their training, which conveys the training content and allows for flexible participation.
In addition, the institute is establishing multipliers as accessible and confidential points of contact. They serve as the first point of contact in cases of uncertainty or situations where boundaries are crossed and offer support. Furthermore, the project promotes an open communication culture in which feedback is taken seriously, concerns are addressed respectfully, and conflicts are resolved early and constructively. With the “Safe(r) Place HI ERN” prevention project, the institute is deliberately focusing on prevention and aims to be a pioneer in the development of safe and respectful work structures.
Contact
Anja Kraus
HR Strategy / Project and Alumni Management / Deputy Gender Equality Officer / Mental Health First Aider
Room 5002 / online