Max Planck Scientists at Christopher Street Day in Stuttgart

Stuttgart – On Saturday, July 26, a group of researchers, students, and staff from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) walked together in Stuttgart’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Parade.

This effort came to life thanks to a committed group of organizers: Sam Van Gele, Martina Paetsch, Ana Garcia-Page, Raymond Wiedmann, Rut Martinez Miras, and Vani Hiremath Sundaram. What began as a few conversations between colleagues quickly grew into a vibrant, multi-institute walking group made up of interns, Master’s students, Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, group leaders, scientific coordinators, supportive friends and partners, and more. 

In the week before the parade, a group of participants gathered for a casual poster-making session, creating signs that connected science, identity, and solidarity. The group also wore custom shirts, sponsored by Antonio Orvieto through the ELLIS Institute Tübingen and designed by Rut Martinez Miras. With shirts and signs prepared in advance, participants arrived knowing who they were walking with and why. 

On the day of the parade, the energy was strong from the start. Many attendees had never participated in the Stuttgart Pride event before, and being part of a visible and celebratory group of 75+ scientists and friends felt meaningful. 

“I could not stop smiling all day… even the mid-walk torrential downpour could not dampen our walking group’s excitement,” said Vani Hiremath Sundaram, one of the Equal Opportunity Officers at MPI-IS. 

As MPI-IS Group Leader, Buse Aktaş, put it: “So much joy, care, and nerdy brilliance in one place. Huge thanks to the organizing committee for pulling it off with pure grassroots persistence. I already can’t wait for next year’s proud science puns!”

Beyond celebration, this moment reflected something deeper. Building an inclusive research environment isn’t just about statements or symbolic gestures, it’s about showing up with actionable initiatives. 

Samuel Van Gele, a Ph.D. student from MPI-FKF, added: “We often forget that visibility, representation and showing up is so important. Science is not only about the facts, it is also about celebrating the beautiful diverse bunch of people behind it!” 

Having a visible, mixed group of colleagues participate in CSD 2025 under this year’s motto “Never be silent again! Loud for freedom, strong for diversity” wasn’t just a celebration: it was a statement that LGBTQIA+ individuals belong in science, in leadership, and in every corner of our research ecosystem.