The DFG’s Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards
The DFG’s Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards define personnel and structural standards for sustainable gender equality and the promotion of diversity in the science and university landscape. The standards have been applicable since 2008, when DFG members undertook a voluntary commitment to comply with them.
The current reporting cycle (2020-2022) concluded with the adoption of the “2022 Summary and Recommendations on the DFG’s Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards” on 30 June 2022. The priority topics in the reporting cycle were: increasing the proportion of women in the postdoc phase and how HEIs address the issue of diversity.
These recommendations were preceded by a two-year implementation process during which DFG member universities first submitted qualitative reports on the two priority topics to the DFG. In October 2021, a workshop was held for the university administrations on the two priority topics in order to enable them to share their experience with each other.
The DFG General Assembly 2022 also decided to expand the aspect of diversity in the original text of the “Research-Oriented Standards on Gender Equality” in order to advance the equal participation of all individuals in science and research – including the aspect of intersectionality. As a quality feature, the promotion of diversity serves to improve the requirements for high-quality science. At the same time, the title was changed to “Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards”.
The 2022 DFG General Assembly also altered the implementation process for the Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards, particularly with regard to reporting and the expansion of the mandate to include other aspects of diversity. For further details and specific guidance on the adapted implementation process, please see the information sheet linked below:
At the 2022 General Assembly, DFG members introduced terms of office for the Working Group on Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards, which will come into effect on 1 January 2023. In addition, three positions were filled and the Working Group was expanded to include one position representing expertise in the field of “Diversity in Science”.
The existing implementation process for the Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards
The following link provides information on the development and implementation process for the DFG’s “Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards”, the previous text versions of the “Research-Oriented Standards on Gender Equality”, the reports of the institutions and information on the assessments carried out by the Working Group (2009-2013).
Contact persons
Here you will find the right contacts at the DFG Head Office for various matters: