Diversity Discourses

Prof. Mirko Antino, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Prof. Mirko Antino brings a social and organisational psychology perspective to the event. His academic work connects psychological research with questions of cooperation, organisation, and societal dialogue. His contribution therefore complements the discussion on how diversity is negotiated in institutions, groups, and public discourses, and on the conditions that enable productive engagement with differences, conflicts, and exclusion.

Prof. Andrea Reichenberger, Technical University of Munich

A History of Diversity, the Diversity of History: Historical Perspectives on Science and Technology in Software and AI

Abstract: The Matilda Effect describes the systematic invisibility or appropriation of women’s scientific achievements. Beyond retrospectively making individual female pioneers visible, it points to the structures that determine what is recognized as a noteworthy scientific contribution. This keynote examines these mechanisms at the intersection of the history of software and artificial intelligence. Software forms a central epistemic infrastructure of modern research, yet historically it has often been regarded as a subordinate service rather than as a scientific contribution in its own right. The increasing commercialization and industrialization of digital tools further reveal how closely the attribution of authorship is linked to economic and scientific power. In the age of generative AI, questions of visibility, recognition, and distributive justice are gaining renewed urgency. From this perspective, diversity emerges as an essential condition for both understanding and practicing scientific knowledge production.

Andrea Reichenberger is a philosopher and historian of science and technology. After completing her PhD in philosophy at the University of Paderborn, she held several postdoctoral positions. She subsequently led a research group in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Siegen and served as interim professor of the History of Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2026, she is  head of the Munich research unit in the Academy project “Edition of Scientific Software” at the Deutsches Museum. Her research focuses on gender and equality issues in the history of science and technology, with particular emphasis on the history of mathematics, computing, and quantum physics. Recent publications include “Geschichte hat viele Gesichter Quantenphysikerinnen – historische Herausforderungen und integrative Perspektiven“ (Physik Journal, 2025) and “Shaping the History of Quantum Physics to Make Women Visible” (Nature Reviews Physics, 2025).

Brit Lynnebakke, NIFU – Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education

Diversity dilemmas in research, practice and communication 

Abstract: The relationship between inclusion and diversity is a complex issue. Working for inclusion in education, academia and beyond is closely tied to recognition of difference. However, whilst some individuals with a minoritised background experience that they are seen and acknowledged when their minority identity is rendered visible, others can find this stigmatising. Many first and foremost want to be seen as an individual and as part of the majority society; hence they can experience recognition of their difference as a lack of inclusion. However, on a societal level, working towards true inclusion where everyone can be seen and treated as an individual often involves the acknowledgement of difference. Anti-discrimination work makes this particularly clear. Another diversity dilemma, which is usually undercommunicated, is that the inclusion of different underrepresented groups sometimes involves competing demands; adjustments that can accommodate one group may be a hindrance to another. This presentation addresses diversity dilemmas and challenges, using examples from research that Lynnebakke has participated in, particularly from research on education and academia. The presentation highlights that dilemmas, by definition, do not have a set answer that applies to every situation and person. Instead, a way forward for practitioners and researchers is to be cognisant of such dilemmas. Rather than paralysing and hindering action, awareness of such dilemmas can be seen as a competence in itself that can lead to nuanced research analyses and context-sensitive practices. 

Brit Lynnebakke is a Senior Researcher at NIFU Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education in Oslo, Norway. Her area of specialisation is migration, inclusion/exclusion and diversity. She has worked on these topics in a range of contexts, including education, academia, civil society, media and local communities. 

The event will be streamed via Zoom. The online stream includes the programme at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and ends after the fishbowl discussion at 16:00.

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