Equal Opportunities Representative
Who we are
© dkfz.de
Dr. Amy Danson
Equal opportunities officer
Amy Danson is the Equal Opportunities Officer. She relocated to Germany in January 2020 after completing her Ph.D. at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in the UK.
During her Ph.D., Amy actively participated in gender equality initiatives at QMUL. She noticed a gender imbalance in senior scientific and management roles, motivating her to lead the Women in Science and Engineering committee (WISE) and contribute to the Athena Swan Award Steering Committee. This award promotes gender equality and diversity in higher education institutions.
Amy is dedicated to making the Equal Opportunities Department at DKFZ work for everyone. Beyond promoting gender equality, she strives to expand efforts to encompass all dimensions of diversity. Her goal is to create an inclusive workplace that sets a benchmark for equitable opportunities for all DKFZ employees.
Contact
Dr. Amy Danson
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office, room D136b
phone: +49 6221 42 3030
email: a.danson[at]dkfz-heidelberg.de; diversity[at]dkfz.de
© dkfz.de
Dr. Ruth Herzog
Deputy equal opportunities officer
Ruth Herzog is one of the deputy Equal Opportunities Officers and an experienced professional in technology transfer and innovation management. Her journey began in 1986 with a biology diploma from the University of Bonn, followed by a 1991 Ph.D. in Molecular Tumour Biology from Saarland University.
Ruth gained corporate experience in oncology sales and marketing at Hoffmann-La Roche from 1991 to 1997. However, her most notable contributions unfolded at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) as Head of the Technology Transfer Unit for 22 years and now as Deputy Head of Innovation Management. Her expertise spans intellectual property management, business development, and licensing, particularly in cancer medicine. Equally noteworthy is her commitment to mentoring aspiring scientists and administrators, addressing gender disparities. She was one of the founding members of the Executive Women at the DKFZ.
In the role of Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer at DKFZ, Ruth prioritises gender equality and career advancement for women in scientific leadership. Her vision is to instil a culture where equality is fundamental, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship. Her main responsibilities are Career Advancement and Marketing.
Contact
Ruth Herzog
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Equal Opportunities Office, room D136a
phone: +49 6221 42-3029
email: r.herzog[at]dkfz-heidelberg.de; diversity[at]dkfz.de
In office on Mondays, available other days upon request.
© dkfz.de
Johanna Hoffmann
Deputy equal opportunities officer
Johanna Hoffmann is the second Deputy to Amy and coordinator of the Equal Opportunities Office. If not at dkfz, she writes audiodescriptions for the blind and visually impaired at the theatre in Mannheim. Johanna is a trained translator and interpreter who, for personal reasons, is very passionate about queer culture and Queer Studies.
Johanna speaks German, English, Spanish and French. She has several foci in the Equal Opportunities Office. One is family support. She provides counselling on parental leave and back to work plan, as well as information to young families on child-care and schools. The other topics are bullying, harassment, discrimination and diversity.
Contact
Johanna Hoffmann
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Equal Opportunities Office, room D136a
phone: +49 6221 42-3029
email: johanna.hoffmann[at]dkfz-heidelberg.de; diversity[at]dkfz.de