Diversity in Our Group

At the Probst Lab, we believe that diversity drives innovation and fosters a richer scientific environment. Our team brings together people from a wide range of cultures, career stages, and scientific disciplines, all working towards a common goal: advancing the understanding of ecosystem health.

International Representation

Our group includes researchers from 11 countries across 4 continents :

Germany India Italy USA China Taiwan Portugal Romania Latvia Morocco Algeria Czech Republic

A diverse cultural background enriches how we approach environmental challenges and scientific questions.

Gender balance

We are proud of our near-equal gender distribution:

• 12 men
• 19 women

We actively promote equity and collaboration at all levels. 

Roles & Career Stages

Our lab includes a broad spectrum of scientific and support staff:

We value growth, mentoring, and contribution at every career level.

Academic & Disciplinary Diversity

Our members bring expertise from a range of complementary disciplines and methods to the table:

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This interdisciplinary foundation helps us explore complex microbial ecosystems from multiple angles.

Inclusive and Appreciative Culture

We strive to maintain a group environment where every team member feels welcome, appreciated, and supported, regardless of background, experience, or role. Inclusivity for us means creating a space where everyone can thrive, contribute ideas, and feel part of a shared mission.

We support and encourage maternity and paternity leave, and provide assistance at both the lab and institutional level to ensure a smooth transition into and return from such leaves. Whether it's via flexible scheduling, reboarding planning, or guidance with university procedures, we strive to ease this important life phase.

We align with the University of Duisburg-Essen's commitment to diversity and inclusion across all domains. For more on UDE's diversity strategy, see the official brochure:
Diversity at UDE – Brochure (PDF)