We offer individual and group counselling, short inputs and workshops to enable you to examine the relevance of sex, gender and diversity dimensions in research and take them into account where necessary.
This offer is complemented by our toolbox for independent research on the topic.
Diversity as criterion for research funding agencies
„In order to improve the quality of research and avoid “blind spots”, the DFG suggests that sex, gender and/or other dimensions of diversity be adequately taken into consideration in the content of research projects.“
Failure to take this into account can lead to non-funding. The German Research Foundation (DFG), the European Union (EU), the Exzellenzinitiative and other funding organisations require the relevance of gender dimensions to be examined as standard.
Good reasons for the relevance check
Taking sex, gender and diversity dimensions into account increases the quality and applicability of research findings. At the same time, it contributes to social justice and innovation.
Improving validity
Differences between groups, including gender groups, can have an influence on the research results. Taking all dimensions of diversity into account leads to more general, robust and reproducible findings.
Improving societal relevance
The consideration of sex, gender and diversity dimensions closes data gaps (gender data gap) and leads to research, developments and innovations that are orientated towards the benefits for all people. They contribute to findings that take into account the diverse needs and realities of the population.
In areas such as pharmacy, ergonomics, mobility or technology in general, it increases e.g. the precision and safety of the applications developed. Failure to take this into account can have serious consequences, as three case studies in the toolbox show. [>>].
Fostering innovation and creativity
Diversity in research opens up new perspectives and approaches. The inclusion of different perspectives – also in relation to sex and/or gender – can lead to more innovative questions, methods and solutions that go beyond traditional research horizons.
Significance for TU Braunschweig
Internationally, examining the relevance of sex and gender dimensions in research projects is becoming increasingly standard (see LERU 2015). In order to avoid gaps in research in this area at TU Braunschweig and to remain well-funded and internationally compatible, the importance of gender and diversity must be examined in research projects and taken into account where relevant.
Counselling
We advise all interested STEM researchers or those focussing on STEM research. In addition to sex and gender, other dimensions such as age and origin are also taken into account.
Please get in touch with the GeDiMINT-team.
If you do not have a dedicated STEM focus, the BZG’s Gender Consulting is available to you.
We…
clarify your questions – support you in checking relevance – research literature – put you in touch with experts – set up peer-to-peer counselling – develop guidelines – …
GeDiMINT-toolbox for self-assessment
Here, you can find checklists, case studies and other materials. These will help you to independently examine the relevance of sex and gender dimensions and find out about ways to take them into account.
If you need further support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Input & Workshops
From a short input on the GeDiMINT project to lectures and introductory and consolidating workshops – these offers will support you in determining whether sex, gender and/or diversity dimensions are relevant in your own research.
Upcoming events can be found under Dates. If you have further requirements, simply write to us at: gedimint@tu-bs.de; we will be happy to plan a suitable programme for you.
Various formats – can be requested at any time
Project-related and thematic (short) inputs (15 – 90 minutes)
To provide an initial overview, we will provide information about the GeDiMINT project and the importance of sex and gender dimensions in STEM research.
An input presentation in German or English can be requested individually, e.g. for a meeting in the faculty or in the research focus, for a research network or a research training group. We are also happy to provide you with copies of our flyer on request.
Short inputs (so called lunch/coffee breaks) are firmly anchored in the TU Braunschweig’s annual early career programmes: in the Prof. programme (research module), the PostDoc programme and the GradTUBS graduate academy.
Workshops (half-day to several days)
We offer workshops using participatory formats and methods to provide a deeper insight into the topic that also relates to one’s own research. They are aimed at researchers from the faculties, research focus areas, joint projects and research training groups as well as the research-relevant service centres. Organised by the GeDiMINT team in German or English, the workshops are usually interdisciplinary and open to all interested parties. Please contact us if you are interested.
Annually workshops are offered for the PostDoc-Programme and GradTUBS. They are also open to researchers from University Stuttgart as part of the certificate programme.
In-depth workshops with a specialised focus (half-day to several days)
In order to look atsex and gender dimensions in the focus of changing STEM disciplines, additional in-depth workshops are offered on request. If necessary, one or two experts will be brought in to facilitate an intensive professional exchange. You are welcome to let us know your requirements.
