Logo: Förderung der Chancengleichheit in der Wissenschaft

Equity and Diversity

Excellent science needs diversity and originality. In order to ensure that all relevant sections of society are addressed in the long term, science and the humanities have to appropriately represent all these areas as well. This happens not just through the structure of the subjects in science and humanities but also through the individuals who research and teach in these subject areas. The DFG believes that no one should be disadvantaged in their career on the basis of academically irrelevant factors such as gender, origin, age or state of health.

For this reason, the DFG offers numerous measures to promote a research landscape that reflects diversity and equal opportunity. One particular focus here is gender equality. The main goal of all equal opportunity work is to promote excellence in the science system. At the same time, all measures in this regard also increase the appeal of Germany as a centre for the pursuit of science and the humanities, in particular for highly qualified academics in an early phase of their career.

In German texts, the DFG uses the terms Diversität, Vielfältigkeit and Diversity synonymously.

Equal opportunity measures in the DFG’s funding procedures

The following links provide information about measures in the DFG’s funding procedures that is tailored to specific target groups.

Online information events: equal opportunities in DFG funding procedures

Why and how does the DFG promote gender equality? What are the concrete measures that are available in connection with funding procedures? What are the key points to note? Online information events are offered at regular intervals on this subject for interested researchers and science managers. (in German only)

What's new?

14 August 2023: Website and film on Mitigating Bias in Evaluation and Decision-Making Processes is online. more

General information:

Here you will find background information and further explanations regarding the DFG’s work in the area of equal opportunity and diversity.

Equal opportunity and diversity topics

Why equal opportunities and diversity are important and which topics receive particular attention in addition to gender equality. more

DFG Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards

How the DFG supports member institutions in the implementation of the Research-Oriented Standards on Equal Opportunities. more

Equal opportunity monitoring

How gender distribution is developing in science as a whole as well as in DFG funding. more

Reports of sexual harassment in connection with the DFG’s funding activities

The DFG is committed to a research culture that is open, non-violent and promotes potential. Accordingly, it also pursues a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual harassment. more

Information service

Contact persons

Here you will find the right contacts at the DFG Head Office for various matters: