With funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) is supporting universities nationwide in the further development of holistic diversity concepts within the framework of the initiative "Diversity at German Universities". After an independent review process, a total of 33 universities were selected to receive funding of €25,000 or €50,000 in the coming winter semester to implement institutional diversity projects. The projects include innovative event formats, new approaches to monitoring and creative information campaigns.
"Through the initiative, we can provide targeted support to universities in the implementation of tailor-made diversity measures," explained Prof Dr Walter Rosenthal, President of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK). "The great interest in the call for proposals shows that universities are very aware of the importance of diversity and want to integrate it constructively into their own development processes. Only through a holistic approach to diversity that addresses all levels of higher education can we establish effective measures to combat structural discrimination and foster a culture that promotes diversity and respect for everyone," said Rosenthal.
The Federal Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, said: "The diversity of people at our universities is a strength and an opportunity. They enrich Germany as a higher education location through their different perspectives and experiences. Science, research and teaching can only benefit from this. Our goal is to make diversity more visible and to reduce or prevent discrimination. The initiative 'Diversity at German Universities' makes an important contribution to this. I am pleased that this winter semester it will be put into practice at 33 universities."
Background
On 1 September 2022, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) launched the initiative "Diversity at German Universities" funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim of the project is to support German universities in the further development of holistic diversity concepts. By promoting university-based projects and cross-project dialogue, the diversity of universities is to be further advanced at national level. For the funding of individual diversity projects, HRK member universities were invited to submit concepts that contribute to the goals of the initiative. 33 universities have now been selected for funding.
An interactive map provides an overview of the funded projects (in German).
