Curt Rice: “Better research with diversity and gender balance” Gender equality as an advantage in the increasingly tough international competition for research funding will be one of the topics at the KIF Committee’s conference on gender equality and diversity in Nordic research. The conference will be held in November.
Thanks to observers, committees gave more money to women There was something peculiar about the discussions when research grants were being awarded, according to the committee chair. Something did not feel right. Then the Swedish Research Council began sending observers to the meetings.
New anti-discrimination act with a twist The Liberal Party ensured that the Norwegian Government got majority approval for its proposal for a joint anti-discrimination act, with a few exceptions. Most importantly, the employer’s reporting duty will continue, although it is unclear how.
Ethnic diversity challenges academia It was high time to put more focus on ethnic diversity, according to stakeholders in academia. But there is scepticism about expanding the KIF Committee’s mandate even further.
"Not a one-man job" The Research Council of Norway wants more women at the helm of the Centres of Excellence. But the centres themselves are afraid of losing the competition for funding if they choose a female director.
New statistics:: “More research needed on barriers for immigrants” The vast majority of ethnic minorities in Norwegian academia are mobile researchers who have moved here to work in an academic position.
Fewer female centre directors In the previous funding round for the Centres of Excellence (SFF) scheme, 23 percent of the centre directors were women. In this year’s round, no women will be directing the SFF centres on their own.
KIF gives money for more equality Leadership training on gender and diversity, a pilot study on the working environment, a job promotion project and a gender balance prize are just a few of the measures planned for the future.
New guide for gender equality and diversity KIF has presented universities and university colleges with a practical tool to use in their restructuring efforts to ensure gender balance and diversity.
Male gender quotas denied Both the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen are hoping that the Gender Equality Act will be amended. It is the only way they will get their wish to use gender quotas to admit men to professional studies in psychology.
Puts gender equality on the map Gender equality is one of six priority areas in the new ERA Roadmap for research – and there will be regular follow-up of progress in this area in all European countries.
More want gender-competent managers The University of Agder is now requiring its new upper-level managers to have competency in gender equality, based on a model from NTNU – and other institutions are considering following suit.
Diversity statistics raise new questions The percentage of immigrants and people with an immigrant background has increased in all position categories and subject areas in Norwegian research. This is one of the findings from the first official diversity statistics for academia.
New equality tool for mergers Is the institute where you work going to be restructured or will the entire university college be merged with another institution? The KIF Committee has now prepared a guide with advice on how you can work with gender and diversity during restructuring processes.
“Diversity efforts must be customized” Specific advice on how to increase diversity in academia is now being developed – but there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution.
On a mission to solve the Nordic gender paradox Two new research centres will try to find the solution to the gender imbalance in Nordic academia.
“Don’t look for discrimination – you won’t find it” Vague, subjective assessments and stereotypes that we don’t even know we have can negatively impact the hiring process. The good news is that there are measures to counteract this.
New demands on managers Candidates for NTNU’s management positions must now document that they have competency in gender equality. But what kind of competency are we really talking about?
The KIF Committee: Watchdog and help centre All research institutions that work with gender balance and diversity should be familiar with the KIF Committee.
Refugees overcome huge obstacles to get a higher education But poorly adapted Norwegian language instruction ruins the chances for refugees who are motivated to get a higher education, according to Juhar Yasin Abamosa.
