Conflicts with superiors, colleagues, staff members

When issues or problems with your superiors, colleagues or staff members arise, we have a range of services available to help you resolve these conflicts:

Ombudsperson for research

  • Our ombudsperson for research
    • provides advice, mediation services and support to all researchers and scientists working at the University of Konstanz,
    • advises (anonymously, if required) on questions of good scientific practice, potential violations as well as related conflicts,
    • supports individuals who have reported a potential case of academic misconduct (whistleblowers) and may therefore be subject to sanctions by other institutions,
    • is your point of contact, if you are being suspected of academic misconduct.

Academic Staff Development (ASD)

Mirjam Müller
Room: V 613, consultations in Y 322
Office hours: by appointment (via email)
Phone: +49 7531 88 -5323

    • ASD is the University of Konstanz’s main service provider for academic staff development, the advancement of junior researchers and educational development, offering the following services:
      • academic staff development services for researchers and university teachers at all career levels
      • individual consultations and coaching sessions for junior researchers experiencing conflicts
    • Qualification:
      • Historian
      • Systemic coach
      • Long-standing experience in the advancement of junior researchers and staff development

Director of Human Resources

Renate Pfeifer
Room: V 836
Office hours: by appointment
Phone: +49 7531 88 -2366

  • Human Resources offers advice on the following topics (
    • Resolving conflicts
    • Transferring to another location, changing your workplace
    • Facilitating mediations within working groups
    • Facilitating personal coaching sessions
    • Re-integration programme after absence due to illness
    • Resolving work issues related to illness
  • Qualification:
    • Lawyer
    • Transaction analysis expert

Caritasverband Konstanz e.V.

Jochen Trautner
Uhlandstrasse 15
78464 Konstanz, Germany
Phone: +49 7531 1200 -250

  • Services (see also: Caritas advisory services flyer):
    • At the University of Konstanz, we collaborate with the Caritasverband Konstanz charity to offer free psycho-social counselling. As your employer, the University of Konstanz will not be notified if and when you seek advice or which issues you raise
    • You are welcome to discuss your individual situation as well as possible ways forward in up to five sessions
  • Qualification:
    • Social worker