Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential for building innovative and successful research teams. The SyNergy Gender Equality Program supports the career development of women and scientists from underrepresented groups and helps reduce structural barriers faced by parent scientists. The program aims to foster an inclusive research environment and to facilitate a better balance between family life and scientific careers.

We offer the following support measures:

• Structured Mentoring Program
  SyNergy scientists who identify as belonging to an underrepresented minority in science participate in a one-year mentoring program with senior members of the Cluster. The program includes regular mentoring meetings as well as professional development workshops and peer-support events within the mentee cohort.

• Travel Grants
  Travel grants support SyNergy scientists who identify as belonging to an underrepresented minority in science to attend scientific meetings or visit external laboratories for collaborative work.
• PhD Award
  This award is aimed at late-stage PhD students from underrepresented minorities in science who are considering an academic career. The award provides financial support for travel to visit potential postdoctoral laboratories, helping awardees identify suitable research environments and establish connections for their next career step.
• PostDoc Award
  The PostDoc Award provides seed funding for postdoctoral researchers from underrepresented minorities in science to develop an independent research project within a SyNergy laboratory.
• Support During Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
  Additional support is provided through student assistants to help maintain research continuity during pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood.

In all of these support programs, SyNergy collaborates with our host institutions.