MPI for Astronomy Employee's Children join the "Glückskinder" in September

For many years the reconciliation of career, academia and family as well as a harmonious "work life balance" have been an important focus of human resources policy at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. In order to attract top international scientists and the world's best employees, the institute has set itself the goal of providing not only excellent research conditions, but also the best possible framework conditions.

The MPIA has now expanded its existing services. As of September 2013, six further crèche places will be available to the institute in the "Glückskinder" group. The "Glückskinderwelt" in the Bergheimer Strasse in Heidelberg is centrally located and easy to reach and offers extremely flexible opening hours. Using the latest educational methods and with spacious, child-oriented premises as well as a bilingual approach, the children are supported in their development from an early age. With the expansion of childcare services, the institute takes a further important step towards realizing the reconciliation of career, academia and family.

The MPIA already provides flexibility in work structuring, care services for employees with children and dependents in need of care as well as a Dual Career Service. In-house care and a baby office for employees with nursing infants are also part of this standard. In exceptional circumstances or in emergencies the children may accompany their parents to work. The MPIA also provides on-site childcare during institute congresses.

Together with the other MPIs in Heidelberg, the MPIA has had rights to 21 places in crèches and kindergartens since 2007. The additional six places in the "Glückskinder" group represent a welcome expansion of this service.