Inhalt: In the past few decades, many research and policy papers have been written documenting the widespread disadvantages faced by under-represented groups in academia and exploring the benefits to universities of work to promote equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). However, despite numerous efforts, many research-intensive universities have yet to develop fully inclusive processes and cultures that provide true equality of opportunity to staff and students from all backgrounds. Enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion brings many advantages. It provides a renewed focus on the wellbeing of scholars and students in universities and other academic institutions. Improved equality, diversity and inclusion will build community by improving the sense of belonging for everyone who comes to them for work or study, which in turn is likely to enhance their commitment and performance. Furthermore, by fully embracing and valuing diversity, universities can ensure their long-term relevance in a fast-changing world and increase their already considerable global impact.
In this paper we argue that EDI within universities can be more effectively promoted using a comprehensive approach:
- to address inclusion and enhanced representation of all under-represented groups,
- to aim at the entire academic community of staff and students together, and
- to make the content of both the research and the research-led curriculum more inclusive.
By making access to universities truly open to all staff and students who have the talent and capability to contribute, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, physical ability, identity and cultural background, universities will foster social cohesion and at the same time enhance their capacity for creative and original research and teaching. By creating inclusive research and innovation programmes and integrating them fully into the curriculum, universities will attract a broader range of students and scholars and will be better able to achieve globally relevant excellence in teaching, research and innovation. This synergistic approach to EDI will empower traditionally under-represented groups, will make the academic community more successful and will enhance the vigour of the academic enterprise.
Schlagwörter:gender equality measures; higher education; research and innovation
CEWS Kategorie:Diversity, Europa und Internationales, Hochschulen
Dokumenttyp:Graue Literatur, Bericht
