Since the launch of Horizon Europe, the EU has emphasised the importance of taking gender+, EDI and intersectionality perspectives into account in academic research and teaching. In many countries around the world, research funding organisations require the use of inclusive strategies when awarding funding.
But what does this mean for those who, like many academics, teach and research in STEM subjects without having received formal training in these areas? Are we in danger of adopting an “add gender+ and stir” approach, or can we adopt strategies that help us to be more inclusive in the way we research and teach?
Promoting gender diversity, integrating the principles of EDI and adopting a gender+ perspective may be challenging, but they are critical to creating more equitable and effective technologies, systems and services. This in turn improves user and student satisfaction, encourages innovation and drives economic growth.
I addressed these issues during today’s seminar and talked about how to overcome the main EDI-related problems in STEM research, especially the lack of diverse perspectives in R&I (research and innovation).
A first roadmap for innovative strategies that could be useful at individual and departmental level was presented.
The slides of the seminar are now available under a Creative Commons licence. Whilst it may be difficult to understand the details without having attended the event, the resources shared may still prove valuable.
