As doctoral researchers, working at a scientific institution is an international experience. People from different countries, religions, and backgrounds join forces for a common goal, but it can be challenging. To provide equal opportunities and maintain a healthy positive work environment, it is very important to be aware of diversity issues. Our group works towards the inclusion of various aspects of diversity in the radar of the Leibniz PhD Network. To this end, we have the following goals:
- Raise awareness of diversity issues in the workplace and specifically as a PhD researcher.
- Include diversity issues with articles, new ideas or changes in documents or surveys, and future activities of the Leibniz PhD Network.
- Organize events dealing with diversity issues in the workplace.
What diversity means for us
In this group, diversity is discussed at different levels and perspectives.
- Culture and nationality: An international work environment requires understanding different cultures. In order to address the related issues, the following topics are of interest:
- Language barriers.
- Hierarchical views from different cultures.
- Fundamental differences in culture and cultural values.
- Differences in Education Systems and Qualifications.
- Family life: Combining work and family life can be challenging while doing a PhD research. We want to discuss the problems that arise when you have a family or decide to start one while doing your PhD. This includes the following topics:
- Family-friendly workspace and working conditions.
- Having children in academia: during your PhD and beyond.
- Childcare during scientific events.
- Childcare is not only related to female doctoral researchers. Including men in the family-friendly guidelines.
- Gender Diversity: Supporting a gender-diverse work environment is important. In this regard, gender-related issues are addressed in the following topics:
- Challenges faced by female doctoral researchers.
- LGBTIQ+ acceptance & inclusion.
- Coming out in the workspace.
- Lack of gender-neutral bathrooms/changing facilities.
Resources
Our articles on the Corona situation, Black lives matter event and PhD survey 2017 survey analysis with Diversity in focus:
Different People, Different Ways of Coping with Isolation
Black Lives Matter
Diversity among Doctoral Researchers: Challenges and Perspectives Part I & Part II
Contact
If you would like to contribute towards a diverse, positive and excellent research environment in the Leibniz association please contact Saida Milena Díaz Castillo (smdiazcas@leibniz-kis.de)