In this privacy statement, the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V. (hereafter Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres) informs you about the processing of personal data when you use our website.

Person responsible

The contact person and so-called controller for the processing of your personal data when visiting this website within the meaning of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the

Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V.
Berlin Office
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178 Berlin
Telephone: +49 (0) 30 206329-52
Fax: +49 (0) 30 206329-59

Name and address of the data protection officer

You can reach the data protection officer of the controller at the following contact details:

Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V.
Berlin Office
Attn: Data Protection Officer
Anna-Louisa-Karsch Str. 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Germany
Tel.: 0302063290
E-mail: datenschutz (at) helmholtz.de

Any data subject may contact our data protection officer directly at any time with any questions or suggestions regarding data protection.

General Data Processing

The Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres processes the personal data of website users only insofar as this is necessary to provide a functioning website and our content and services, you as a user have given us your consent, or the processing of the data is permitted by law.

Legal basis for the processing of personal data

Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing operations involving personal data, Article 6 (1) lit. a of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis. When processing personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary for the performance of pre-contractual measures.

Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary for the fulfilment of a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 (1) c GDPR serves as the legal basis. In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person make processing of personal data necessary, Art. 6 (1) (d) GDPR serves as the legal basis. If the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

Data deletion and storage period

The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of the storage no longer applies. Storage may also take place if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in Union regulations, laws or other provisions to which the person responsible is subject. Data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a necessity for the continued storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfilment of a contract.

Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

  • Browser type and browser version
  • Operating system used
  • Referrer URL (the previously visited page)
  • Host name of the accessing computer (IP address)
  • Time of the server request

The data is also stored in the log files of our system.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data and the log files is Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR, based on our legitimate interest in collecting data to provide the website.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable delivery of the website to the user's computer. For this purpose, the user's IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted after a period of seven days.

5. Possibility of objection and elimination

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the user to object.

Use of cookies

1. Description and scope of data processing

On this website, data is collected and stored using the web analysis service software Matomo (www.matomo.org), a service of the provider InnoCraft Ltd, 150 Willis St, 6011 Wellington, New Zealand, ("Matomo") on the basis of our legitimate interest in the statistical analysis of user behaviour for optimisation and marketing purposes pursuant to Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR. Pseudonymised user profiles can be created and evaluated from this data for the same purpose. Cookies can be used for this purpose. Cookies are small text files that are stored locally in the cache of the site visitor's internet browser. Among other things, the cookies enable the recognition of the internet browser. The data collected with Matomo technology (including your pseudonymised IP address) is processed on our servers.

The information generated by the cookie in the pseudonymous user profile is not used to personally identify the visitor to this website and is not merged with personal data about the bearer of the pseudonym.

If you do not agree to the storage and evaluation of this data from your visit, you can object to its storage and use at any time by clicking on it below. In this case, a so-called opt-out cookie will be stored in your browser, which means that Matomo will not collect any session data. Please note that if you delete your cookies completely, the opt-out cookie will also be deleted and you may have to reactivate it.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users' personal data is Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR, based on our legitimate interest in the proper optimisation of our website.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The processing of the users' personal data enables us to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. By evaluating the data obtained, we are able to compile information on the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to continuously improve our website and its user-friendliness. These purposes are also our legitimate interest in processing the data in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR. By anonymising the IP address, the interest of users in the protection of their personal data is adequately taken into account.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for our recording purposes.

E-mail contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

It is possible to contact us via the e-mail address provided. In this case, the user's personal data transmitted with the e-mail will be stored.

In this context, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given his consent.

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If the e-mail contact is aimed at the conclusion of a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR. 3.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. In the case of contact by e-mail, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.

The other personal data processed during the sending process serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input mask of the contact form and those sent by e-mail, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when the circumstances indicate that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

The user has the possibility to revoke his consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, he can object to the storage of his personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

A description of how to revoke consent and object to storage follows.

All personal data stored in the course of contacting us will be deleted in this case.

Rights of the data subject

If your personal data is processed, you have the following rights as a data subject vis-à-vis the controller:

1. Right of access

You may request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data relating to you is being processed by us.

If such processing is taking place, you may request information from the controller about the following:

(1) the purposes for which the personal data are processed;

(2) the categories of personal data which are processed;

(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed;

(4) the envisaged duration of the storage of the personal data concerning you or, if specific information on this is not possible, criteria for determining the storage period;

(5) the existence of a right to obtain the rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, a right to obtain the restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing;

(6) the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority;

(7) any available information on the origin of the data, if the personal data are not collected from the data subject;

(8) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved and the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information on whether personal data concerning you are transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 of the GDPR in connection with the transfer.

2. Right of rectification

You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the personal data processed concerning you are inaccurate or incomplete. The controller must make the rectification without undue delay.

In the case of data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:

Your right to rectification may be limited to the extent that it is likely to make impossible or seriously prejudice the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the limitation is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

3. Right to restriction of processing

You may request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:

(1) if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;

(2) the processing is unlawful and you object to the erasure of the personal data and request instead the restriction of the use of the personal data;

(3) the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing but you need it for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or

(4) if you have objected to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the controller's legitimate grounds override your grounds.

Where the processing of personal data relating to you has been restricted, such data may be processed - apart from being stored - only with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of substantial public interest of the Union or a Member State.

If the restriction of processing has been restricted in accordance with the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

In the case of data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:

Your right to restriction of processing may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impede the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

4. Right to erasure

a) Obligation to delete

You may request the controller to erase the personal data concerning you without undue delay and the controller is obliged to erase such data without undue delay if one of the following reasons applies:

(1) The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.

(2) You withdraw your consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (a) or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR and there is no other legal basis for the processing.

(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.

(4) The personal data concerning you have been processed unlawfully.

(5) The erasure of the personal data concerning you is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.

(6) The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Article 8(1) of the GDPR.

b) Information to third parties

If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Article 17(1) of the GDPR, it shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, having regard to the available technology and the cost of implementation, to inform data controllers that process the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested them to erase all links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data.

c) Exceptions

The right to erasure does not apply insofar as the processing is necessary to.

(1) for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information;

(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;

(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Article 9(2)(h) and (i) and Article 9(3) of the GDPR;

(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section (a) is likely to render impossible or seriously prejudice the achievement of the purposes of such processing; or

(5) to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

5. Right to information

If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to inform all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been disclosed of this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing, unless this proves impossible or involves a disproportionate effort.

You have the right against the controller to be informed about these recipients.

6. Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have provided to the controller in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transfer this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data has been provided, provided that.

(1) the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR and

(2) the processing is carried out with the aid of automated procedures.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transferred directly from one controller to another controller, insofar as this is technically feasible. This must not affect the freedoms and rights of other persons.

The right to data portability does not apply to processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

7. Right of objection

You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves the purpose of asserting, exercising or defending legal claims.

If the personal data concerning you is processed for the purposes of direct marketing, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purposes of such marketing; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.

If you object to the processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

You have the possibility, in the context of the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise your right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

In the case of data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:

You also have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR.

Your right to object may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the limitation is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

8. Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You have the right to revoke your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The revocation of the consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent until the revocation.

9 Automated decision-making in individual cases including profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing - including profiling - which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision

(1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between you and the controller,

(2) is permissible on the basis of legal provisions of the Union or the Member States to which the controller is subject and these legal provisions contain appropriate measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests; or

(3) is made with your explicit consent.

However, these decisions may not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Article 9(1) of the GDPR, unless Article 9(2)(a) or (g) of the GDPR applies and appropriate measures have been taken to protect the rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests.

With regard to the cases referred to in (1) and (3), the controller shall take reasonable steps to safeguard the rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests, including at least the right to obtain the intervention of a person on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision.

10. Right to complain to a supervisory authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority to which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Article 78 GDPR.