For long-term success a good balance between work and life is needed. Our family-friendly staff policy even carries a seal of quality. To support young female scientists with small children, the Institute has signed an agreement with a local kindergarden in autumn 2010. A fixed number of places for children under the age of three can be provided. It is planned to develop this program further.

As the first German research organization, all institutes within the Max-Planck-Society were granted the logo of the non-profit organisation “berufundfamilie” (“career and family”) in 2006, after a comprehensive certification process.

The Max-Planck-Society supports female scientists with certain programs:

• W 2 Minerva Program/W 3 Program for the Advancement of Outstanding Female Scientists in senior positions
• Minerva-FemmeNet: a mentoring network for female doctoral students and diploma students, for postdoctoral students and those working on their habilitation
• Option for female scientists to extend a fixed term contract by six months to allow for pregnancy and childbirth
• Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation: supports talented young female scientists with children