No. 112/2021

don’t apply to us. In every network, includ- ing ours, there are path dependencies and sub-networks. That’s why we’ve launched our new Henriette Herz Scouting Programme to introduce new groups of fellows and hosts into our network by direct recruiting. And we reso- lutely support the reconciliation of family and working life whereby we are also investigating the possibility of achieving greater diversity by offering financial incentives. Have youmet with scepticism? Diversity is a relatively new topic after many years of pri- oritising excellence as your goal … Excellence and diversity are not opposites, they go hand in hand. In science, I have never experienced anyone openly expressing reser- vations about diversity. But it’s not enough not to be opposed to it, in my opinion. We have to be more active. Every time we make an HR decision we have to ask: How can I promote multiple perspectives? How can I create an environment within my sphere of influence in which diversity promotes careers instead of hindering them? And, of course, I always have to ask myself to what extent the diversity spectrum can be laid down in the framework of concrete general conditions and objectives. This undoubtedly poses challenges but also offers a raft of opportunities that we should address on a broad front, resolutely and, above all, systematically. It is enough to appeal to people? Being a neuroscientist, I’m a believer in the power of positive incentives and motiva- tion. Positive examples and role models are important. And we shouldn’t just look at the major research awards like the Nobel Prize, which went to four women in 2020 – for their ground-breaking research! They included a Humboldtian, Emmanuelle Charpentier, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. We should also look at all the researchers who combine their undoubtedly equally wonderful and demanding jobs with everyday and family duties, who bring along their culture, experi- ence of life and creativity and who thus sustain science itself. Here at the Humboldt Founda- tion it is one of our key priorities to reinforce and promote this diversity. Without a doubt, we are moving in the right direction. But we have still a long way to go. Interview GEORG SCHOLL IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VARIETY OF IDEAS AND PERSPECTIVES, THE VARIETY OF IMPRINTING AND HORIZONS.” “ 23 HUMBOLDT KOSMOS 112/2021