Gender Equality and Diversity in Research Alliances

Are you working on a research grant application to the DFG, or has one of your applications already been approved? If so, GeCo – GenderConsulting can help you with any questions you may have regarding gender equality, family-friendly policies and diversity.

GeCo – Gender Consulting

Advice & Support for Researchers

In addition to the “Research Promotion Unit” within the Research Service Centre, GeCo supports you with your third-party funded project. We advise you both during the application phase and in preparation for the site visit and evaluation by the DFG, as well as on projects that have already been approved regarding the DFG’s lump-sum grant for equal opportunities measures. Together with you, we develop measures to promote equal opportunities in science, family-friendly working conditions and greater diversity in research. 

By tailoring these measures to your specific needs, you can enhance the quality, diversity and innovative strength of your research. At the same time, you can establish your research project as family-friendly and committed to equality. This will make you more attractive to leading international researchers.

Key questions for the application

The following questions may help you to implement the DFG’s ‘Research-Oriented Standards for Gender Equality and Diversity’ in your DFG application:

What is the group’s approach to equal opportunities, equality, family-friendly policies and diversity, and how does it see itself in relation to these issues?

How do the measures planned for the proposed consortium fit into Humboldt University’s strategic gender equality plan? Which measures have been specifically designed for the proposed consortium and its gender equality needs? How are the measures tailored to the different target groups (doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, parents and other groups)? How can the programme create fair conditions for the career development of doctoral candidates and postdocs?

What is the proportion of women among the applicants, within the relevant subjects/faculties, and for the positions applied for?

Gender equality and diversity should also be addressed in various parts of the proposal as a cross-cutting issue.

Measures funded by the equal opportunities budget

In consultation with you, GeCo develops practical, needs-based measures to promote greater gender equality, family-friendliness and diversity within your research network. Below are a few ideas:

  • Workshops and training sessions on a variety of topics, such as management training or soft skills courses
  • Coaching for PhD students on various topics: the final stages of the PhD, career planning, and the transition to the postdoc phase
  • Participation in mentoring programmes for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers

  • Technical equipment for remote working for PhD students
  • Flexible childcare with KidsMobil
  • Furnishing and equipping family rooms at HU

  • Public relations work, e.g. leaflets on equal opportunities initiatives
  • Awareness-raising courses on gender equality and diversity (‘Unconscious Bias Training’ or similar)

All measures may also be funded and carried out in collaboration with other research alliances at HU.

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