On December 2, 2024, the EARMA community gathered in Brussels for a workshop How Can Research Managers Adapt to Europe’s Evolving EDI Policies? that marked the official launch of the EARMA Thematic Group on Equality, Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion (ECDI). The event brought together research managers, policymakers, and EDI experts to explore practical strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in Europe.
As EDI policies continue to transform the European research environment, this one-day workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, tools, and experiences to foster more inclusive and equitable research ecosystems.
Key Highlights from the Event
Overview of the EU's Evolving Gender Equality Policy
Katerina Svickova, Head of the DG RTD Gender Sector at the European Commission, opened the day with an insightful overview of EU gender equality policies. She highlighted the integration of EDI into broader European frameworks and the implications of upcoming changes in FP10. The session underscored the need for research institutions to proactively align their strategies with these developments.
Practical Strategies for Implementing EDI Policies
Adrien Braem, Senior Policy Officer at Science Europe, emphasized actionable approaches for improving EDI practices. Participants learned how to leverage data, implement positive action measures, and overcome resource-related challenges. Practical examples and recommendations showcased how research managers can drive change within their organizations, with collaboration and evidence-based policy at the forefront.
Assessing Institutional Capacity for Gender Equality
Lut Mergaert of Yellow Window presented the "Impact Drivers Model," a powerful framework for evaluating institutional capacity in gender mainstreaming. This session introduced tools such as the Gender Equality Academy toolkit and GEAR tool, equipping participants with methods to measure and foster systemic change.
Shantay, You Stay Inclusive—Practical EDI Tools for Research Managers
Jakob Feldtfos Christensen of DIVERSIunity closed the day with a dynamic and engaging workshop. He introduced cultural intelligence as a critical skill for managing diversity in research projects. Participants worked through real-life scenarios and explored practical strategies for building inclusive research support offices and addressing cross-cultural challenges.
Takeaways for the EARMA Community
The workshop not only introduced participants to the tools and frameworks necessary for effective EDI implementation but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and cultural intelligence.
Key themes included:
● Aligning institutional practices with EU policy developments
● Using data and evidence to inform inclusive strategies
● Developing systemic approaches to gender equality
● Addressing diversity in all its dimensions, beyond gender
Presentation will be available through the Collaborative space on EARMA platform.
About the EARMA ECDI Thematic Group
The ECDI Thematic Group is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the research management and administration community. With a holistic approach, the group aims to make the invisible visible by addressing cross-cutting ECDI issues and creating an environment where all members feel valued and empowered.
Our Motto: Making the Invisible Visible Again
Looking Ahead
The success of this inaugural event sets the stage for future collaborations and initiatives within the ECDI Thematic Group. EARMA invites all members to join the group’s efforts to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across Europe’s research landscape.
Watch out for Happy Talks! Stay tuned via EARMA newsletter and ECDI LinkedIn group.
For more information about the ECDI Thematic Group and upcoming activities, visit EARMA ECDI.
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