What we stand for

Understanding the dynamics of planet Earth and shaping human interaction with nature in a sustainable manner is one of the defining scientific and societal challenges of our time. Senckenberg conducts integrative research that places the “Earth–Human System” at its core.

We are internationally recognised for:

• documenting and analysing biodiversity, its change, and the interactions within the Earth–Human System,
• engaging in meaningful dialogue with society, and
• applying and advancing state-of-the-art biological, geoscientific, and socio-ecological research methods.

We embrace our responsibility to contribute to solutions for global challenges. We do this through our research, through dialogue and knowledge exchange with society, through the application of our scientific findings, and through the preservation and development of our scientific collections as archives of nature.

We generate scientific and societal value by fostering synergies across our locations and with international partners. We continuously develop our research capabilities, knowledge transfer and communication, as well as our research infrastructures and organisational structures.

As a trusted partner in societal, economic, and political decision-making processes, we contribute visibly and internationally to shaping a sustainable future for the Earth–Human System. We provide the biological, geoscientific, and socio-ecological foundations for evidence-based decisions and raise awareness of the essential role of nature for humankind.

„Guided by curiosity and responsibility we document and analyze Earth system dynamics with a focus on biodiversity to benefit science and society.“

We explore the breathtaking diversity and captivating connections between the living and non-living nature of our planet in order to understand them, to recognise their significance for humankind, and to develop strategies for a sustainable coexistence of humans and nature.

We preserve and study research objects obtained from nature in scientific archives and safeguard them for future generations. In doing so, we maintain and further develop our collections—among the largest in the world—both as a foundation for research and as an irreplaceable heritage of global importance.

We develop our museums into open learning environments and democratic platforms for dialogue, and we communicate our findings in exchange with both the scientific community and society at large. We are committed to educating the next generation and to creating the conditions that ensure our knowledge can be translated into practice.

At Senckenberg, collegiality and mutual respect are the foundation of how we work together.

Curiosity, Creativity, Cooperation and Responsibility

Curiosity, creativity, cooperation and responsibility motivate us and form the basis of all scientific work. We place our research at the service of society and understand our museums as platforms for dialogue, learning and participation.

Quality

We strive for excellence in research and knowledge sharing and uphold the principles of good scientific practice and responsible science communication.

Appreciation

Each and every person contributes to our shared success through their individuality, perspectives and strengths.

Trust

Trust is essential for collaborative, fair and successful teamwork.

Diversity and Respect

We embrace and value diversity in all its forms, regardless of gender and gender identity, age, background, education, religion, culture, ability or life situation. What connects us is our shared commitment to our mission and our respect for one another.

Social Responsibility

Senckenberg stands for equality, equity, inclusion and integration, and for enabling a healthy balance between professional and personal life. Our internal communication is characterised by openness, transparency and recognition.

Sustainability

In line with our research mission, we act with sustainability in mind. Our approach aims at preserving natural, social and economic resources in the interest of present and future generations.

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) welcomes civic engagement aimed at supporting its collections, the diversity of its research and its communication, as well as the infrastructure of the SGN. The SGN is committed to the sustainable and responsible use of the Earth and its natural resources and seeks, through its research, to contribute to a better understanding of the “Earth-Human System”, its complex dynamics and the far-reaching interactions between habitats and human influence. The mission of the SGN is to explore and preserve the diversity of life on Earth.

At Senckenberg, collegiality, mutual respect and appreciation are the foundation of our work. The SGN sees itself as an open, inclusive and non-violent organisation that respects and protects the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of gender and gender identity, ethnic or social background, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or political opinion. These values also form the basis for collaboration with our supporters. The SGN meets its supporters with recognition and appreciation and aims to build long-term and trusting relationships. In general, sponsors and donors are expected to identify with, value and support the SGN’s mission, goals and values.

To uphold fairness and integrity, the SGN has developed a anti-corruption policy, which governs collaboration between the SGN and its supporters. It sets out the SGN’s responsibilities towards its supporters as well as the prerequisites and exclusion criteria for collaboration with the SGN.

Our strategy towards cooperation on equal terms has several elements which we summarized under three main headings:

1. Collections
   Extensive discussions both internally and externally in 2019 and 2020 resulted in a paper, that describes Senckenberg’s position with respect to repatriating human remains, restituting culturally sensitive material and exchange of other specimens, both physically and digitally.
2. Education
   At Senckenberg, we contribute to, and even run curricula that enable students and early career researchers at all levels to join the international scientific community. Among these is an MSc-course on curation and collection-based research, that already has attracted students from over 30 countries, many of them from the so-called developing world. 
   In the course or that study program, a survey of the state of natural history collections in East(ern) Africa has been conducted, the results were published here.
3. Scientific Cooperation
   Senckenberg maintains a very extensive collaboration network with cooperating partners in over 140 countries, and many of our key regions are in some the world’s rapidly developing countries (cf. image below). With our “Global Fellowships” program, Senckenberg offers fellowships to highly motivated and talented early career scientists (doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers) from the Global South.