Equal opportunities 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.
Information for Applicants and funding recipients
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. Further dates for 2022 will be posted soon.
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. Interner Linkmore
DFG Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards
How the DFG supports member institutions in the implementation of the Research-Oriented Standards on Equal Opportunities. Interner Linkmore
Equal opportunity monitoring
How gender distribution is developing in science as a whole as well as in DFG funding. Interner Linkmore
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. Interner Linkmore
Information service
- Interner LinkPress releases and Informations for Researchers issued by the DFG on the topic of diversity and equal opportunity
- Link auf PDF-DateiDFG-Magazin forschung (3/2017) mit 6 Seiten Diversity-Special (in German only)
- Interner LinkFurther links (in German only)
- Interner LinkAccessability (in German only)
Contact persons
Here you will find the right contacts at the DFG Head Office for various matters: