The Faculty of Science is convinced that diverse teams perform better, and that the diversity of our students and staff contributes to the quality of our academic community. The Gender, Diversity and Inclusion committee (GenDI) has been set up to help to make the faculty a great place for everyone and to make sure that diverse talents are welcome and appreciated. The committee serves as a contact point concerning issues in the context of gender and diversity. It advises the Faculty Board and organises awareness events. When appropriate, the Faculty of Science Gender, Diversity and Inclusion committee coordinates its actions with the Central DEI office.
Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Council / committee
Mission
The Gender, Diversity and Inclusion committee strives to make the Faculty of Science a positive place for everyone and where diverse talents feel welcome and valued. Specific issues are discussed in smaller working groups, such as accessibility for people with a disability, support for international students and staff, work-life balance, inclusive recruitment, and LGBTQ+ issues. Depending on the topic, we seek advice from experts and collaborate with people from other faculties. The outcomes of the working groups are used to advise the faculty board about specific actions to improve the environment for all students and staff, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, (religious) beliefs, background or ability, etc. The work of the committee has, among others, resulted in the following activities and outcomes.
Actions
- Awareness events: Each year at least one awareness event is organised covering topics such as Role Models in Science (2023), Diversity in Education (2022), or Diversity and Inclusion in Science (2021).
- Towards Equality in Science Workshop: This workshop prepares people sitting on a hiring and selection committees by raising awareness on academic inequality and promoting inclusive hiring practices.
- Diversity representative: To safeguard a fair and inclusive search process, one of the members of the hiring and selection committee is assigned as a diversity representative.
- Support for mothers/birth parents: Financial support provided during pregnancy (leave) and in the year after return from the leave to support young mother's/birth parent's career (Pregnancy Leave Compensation Procedure)
- Pilot quiet room: A designated room was set up to allow students and staff to retreat in order to rest or de-stimulate.
- Local LGBTQ+ confidential contact person: Among the local confidential contact persons, one person is acting as the first point of contact for staff and students from the LGBTQ+ community.
- Harassment survey: All students get the opportunity to report their experiences and observations regarding harassment and social safety at regular intervals.
- Harassment information: In each bathroom, signs have been placed explaining what harassment entails and whom to contact when experiencing harassment.
- Exit Interviews: Conducted with departing scientists to identify improvements for a more attractive workplace.
Documents
Towards Gender Equality in the Faculty of Science
The report of the Working Group Gender Policy, which was installed by the Board of the Faculty of Science.
Unconscious and Inclusive Hiring Guideline
In this guideline the important attention points facilitating an inclusive hiring process are explained step by step.
Grants, Awards and Funding
Grants, prizes, and funding opportunities specifically aimed at stimulating diversity and inclusion in science.
Information for Young Parents
This document provides information for pregnant women, with the main emphasis on work related aspects, such as teaching and research. It also includes resources for internationals.
Committee members
The GenDI Committee consists of students, academic, and support staff from all institutes of the Faculty of Science plus advisory members from uu77.
If you would like to discuss topics in the context of gender, diversity, and inclusion or are interested in becoming a member of the committee yourself, please feel free to contact gendi-committee [at] science.ru.nl (gendi-committee[at]science[dot]ru[dot]nl).
Contact information
Location
Visiting address
Heyendaalseweg 1356525AJ Nijmegen
Postal address
Postbus 90106500GL NIJMEGEN
Contact person
Dr H. Huber (Heidi)