On November 4, 2025, the IOW was presented with the TOTAL E-QUALITY certificate for the fifth time in recognition of its exemplary commitment to equality and diversity. The quality seal, which is granted for three years, is awarded to organisations that show a particular commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. In addition to the main certificate, the IOW also received the TOTAL E-QUALITY Sustainability certificate in recognition of its long-standing, organisationally embedded equality strategy. This year's award ceremony took place at the Lichthof conference hotel in Gelsenkirchen.

In its statement, the jury emphasised that the IOW excellently fulfils the TOTAL E-QUALITY standards in various fields of action. Particular appreciation was given to the institute's holistic, institutionally based approach, which interlinks equality and diversity.

In the jury's opinion, the IOW convinces with its established strategies and clear objectives, which are monitored and reviewed. The equal opportunities officer is a voting member of the institute's steering committee, and the internal equal opportunities commission is a statutory body. The introduction of a third management level (working group leaders) is also highlighted as a promising opportunity to increase the visibility of women in middle management. The jury recommends that the institute make systematic use of this new level to recruit more women for management positions. With women currently accounting for 51% of its workforce, the IOW is on the right track in terms of numbers. However, the share of women among the institute's scientists is lower than that of their male colleagues, and the jury sees a clear need for action when it comes to appointing professorships, which are currently predominantly held by men.

The jury explicitly praised the initiatives with which the IOW creates a discrimination-sensitive working environment. These include work agreements for partnership-based interaction, ombudsman structures and target group-specific training courses in German and English. These include the training of mental health first aiders and workshops on topics such as abuse of power, gender-sensitive communication and the prevention of sexualised violence on ship expeditions. The integration of international employees through targeted measures is described as outstanding.

TOTAL E-QUALITY is an initiative supported by the German federal government that promotes equal opportunities for women and men and diversity at work. The TOTAL E-QUALITY certificate (in short: TEQ certificate) has been presented since 1996 by the association TOTAL E-QUALITY Deutschland e. V., which is supported by individuals from academia, business, associations and ministries. The award is valid for three years. It has been newly awarded to the IOW for the period 10/2025 – 10/2028.