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.