Provides research leaders with insights, tools for reflection, and practical strategies to develop academic environments where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
How can research leaders contribute to more inclusive, diverse, and equitable academic environments? This module explores how research leadership can foster both quality and equity by recognizing and supporting diversity in a broad sense—disciplinary, social, cultural, and experiential.
The module addresses key topics such as the relationship between early-career and senior researchers, how diversity of knowledge and varied perspectives can strengthen research groups, and how the underrepresentation of certain groups affects academia. We discuss gender and research leadership, as well as national and European requirements regarding gender equality and diversity in research (RCN, EU).
The module demonstrates how diversity can generate benefits—such as new ideas, increased innovation, and expanded networks—while also reflecting on challenges related to inclusion, power dynamics, and workplace culture. Particular attention is also paid to internationalization and how multicultural research environments can be led in an inclusive and sustainable manner—a strength when approached with awareness, competence, and leadership.
Toolkit
As a key part of the project, a dedicated toolkit is being developed for addressing diversity within one's own unit. We are also including links to other resources for working on diversity in our sector.
Learning objectives
We normally meet for half a day, but the module can be extended if desired. Here are the main topics of the module:
- Academic rules of the game and tacit knowledge
- Power and hierarchy
- Diversity in research topics and methodology
Meet the group
The modules have been developed in collaboration.
Tony Joakim Ananiassen Sandset
University of Oslo
Ingebjørg Tyssedal
Norwegian School of Economics
Julie Katrine Flikke
NTNU