XFEL: Diversity Day at European XFEL

Diversity is like a varied buffet. To celebrate German Diversity Day 2026 (DDT26), staff from European XFEL came together to eat and chat. The highlight: the buffet consisted of traditional dishes that the staff had brought along. This meant that this year’s DDT motto, ‘When diversity wins, we all win’, could literally be tasted. As a visible symbol, the rainbow flag was also raised that morning.

Six hundred people from more than 60 countries work on the world’s largest X-ray research laser – not counting the rotating international research teams who travel from all over the world to the Campus to conduct experiments.

For the research facility, this diversity of talents and cultures is a vital foundation for successfully collaborating on solutions to the challenges of the future. This is another reason why European XFEL is committed to a diverse working environment, as demonstrated most recently at the Schenefeld Festival of Democracy on 8 May. Only in this way can staff develop their talents to the fullest.

 

Background: 19 May is German Diversity Day!

German Diversity Day (DDT) is a nationwide day of action that highlights diversity in the workplace. It has been organised annually since 2012 by the Charta der Vielfalt e. V. and takes place in companies and institutions. The day provides a platform to publicly demonstrate a commitment to diversity and a respectful, prejudice-free working culture.