Gender Consulting for Research Networks

Gender Consulting for Research Networks

Advice on gender equality measures in DFG research networks

Ein Foto von drei Frauen.

When submitting a proposal, research networks can apply to the DFG for additional funding for the module ‘Standard allowance for gender equality measures’. The funding available for collaborative research centers is 30,000 euros per year and 15,000 euros per year for other research networks such as research training groups. These measures serve to meet the following goals:

  • Increasing the number of female researchers at project management level
  • Supporting young female researchers working in research networks with pursuing their academic careers, and
  • Making the “research” workplace more family-friendly

The Office of Equality and Diversity provides support and advice to research networks with everything from preparing and developing concepts for the gender equality module to the on-site review. The Office ensures that the measures to be taken are brought in line with the FAU Gender Equality Plan, that implementation within the organization is well planned and carried out to a high standard.

There are some hints and tips for submitting proposals and for networking below:

The University is responsible for finalizing and implementing the research-oriented equality standards agreed with the DFG in March 2009. In close collaboration with the faculties and the women’s representatives, the Executive Board ensures that gender equality continues to be promoted at the University. The DFG provides examples as ideas for implementing the standards in practice in the form of a toolbox.

The DFG is also very interested in actively promoting gender equality in German universities and supporting family-friendly environments. Equal opportunities for women and men in research as well as balancing an academic career with family life are important factors for excellent research and successful young researcher support.

Thus, three objectives form the central theme of the gender equality measures in the relevant funding lines:

  1. Increasing the number of female researchers in leadership positions
  2. Supporting young female researchers
  3. Making the “research” workplace more family-friendly

The DFG emphasizes the necessity of structural improvements to the career opportunities available to women in research as well as increasing the compatibility of having a family and a career in research. Accordingly, the range of support provided by DFG in its gender equality measures in the relevant funding programs is extremely wide. It includes everything from special funding options for young researchers to financing for equal opportunities measures.

DFG has various gender equality measures in each phase of its funding programs: From the application stage through to project implementation, funding can be requested according to individual grants and coordinated procedures, for example collaborative research centers and research training groups, clusters of excellence, priority programs, and (clinical) research units.

The FAU research consortia for promoting gender equality (F³G) were set up in 2012 with the participation of 8 DFG collaborative projects, the FAU’s Family Service and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. The primary objective for setting up these consortia was to improve networking between participating organizational units, ensure that DFG funds for promoting equality are used correctly and for the purpose set out in the guidelines, in order to improve equal opportunities and balance research and family for all those involved in F³G. Further information.

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