By signing the Diversity Charter in 2017, the Robert Koch Institute affirmed its commitment to a culture that views diversity as an opportunity. Thus, RKI promotes diversity both in the workplace and in public health.

By signing the Diversity Charter, the RKI has committed to:

• Fostering an organizational culture characterized by mutual respect and appreciation of every individual. Creating the conditions for both leadership and staff to recognize, share, and live these values. Leadership bears particular responsibility in this regard.
• Reviewing the institute’s personnel processes to ensure they reflect and support the diverse skills and talents of all employees, as well as the institute's performance standards.
• Acknowledging the diversity of society within and beyond the organisation, appreciating the potential it offers, and leveraging it for the benefit of the institute.
• Making the implementation of the Charter a topic for internal and external dialogue.
• Publicly reporting each year on its activities and progress in promoting diversity and appreciation.
• Informing its staff about diversity and involving them in the implementation of the Charter.

On the German Diversity Day held at the end of May each year, the RKI has regularly used its social media channels to take a public stance. The institute also emphasizes diversity in its mission statement, stating that it is open "to all people, irrespective of their origin, religious belief and gender identity." The banner of the Diversity Charta is also featured on Robert Koch Institute’s career portal.

Diversity and mutual appreciation are essential for science and research—and thus for the health of the population. They also form the foundation of an open, diverse, and compassionate society. As stated in the Diversity Charter: “We stand against any ideology that threatens our democracy.”