Diversity Discourses

In the third discussion round on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 12-14 p.m., we spoke with five experts from different perspectives about current challenges, needs and solutions in the scientific community and the resulting scientific communication in the field of diversity. The discussion was followed online by around 40 participants.

These experts shared their knowledge with us at the event:

• PD Dr.in Kristin Eichhorn (Head of the Department of Modern German Literature I at the Institute of Literary Studies at the University of Stuttgart and co-founder of #IchBinHanna)
• Sophia Hohmann (Chairwoman of the Network against Abuse of Power in Science e. V.)
• Dr. Denise Bergold-Caldwell (Deputy Professor of Educational Science with a focus on gender studies at the European University of Flensburg; research, for example, on subjectivation processes through racist and gender-specific attributions)
• Marco Valero Sanchez (Talent Acquisition expert at Talents4Good for professional participation and social justice)
• Sharleen Pevec-Zimmer (research assistant at the Chair of Inclusive Education at the University of Potsdam, podcast host “(Re)searching Diversity”)

The experts reported on existing hurdles and a lack of equal opportunities that need to be changed, particularly at a systemic level, in order to avoid being dependent on the (voluntary) commitment of individuals. In many cases, working in science means temporary (part-time) positions, relocations, periods of unemployment and unpaid overtime. These factors make it particularly difficult for certain groups, such as people with care and family responsibilities, disabled people, people with a migrant background and/or who are dependent on a residence permit, to be and remain in the academic system. As a result, important knowledge is lost or certain research questions are not even asked. Another point of criticism from the experts is directed at the classification of “true scientific” and “false other” knowledge, which should be reconsidered to ensure that no knowledge is systematically excluded. Although the solution to these problems does not lie at an individual level, building networks, spaces for marginalized groups in academia to share their experiences and mentoring to realistically assess an academic career can help to support people who are disadvantaged by the system on their path. Institutional action should go far beyond diversity strategies and anti-discrimination policies.

These could include, for example

• the limitation of fixed-term contracts (and thus the creation of secure and predictable career paths),
• the recognition and implementation of research findings already gained in the field of scientists with disabilities, of color, etc. and
• science communication as a very relevant (and financially remunerated) part of the work of scientists.

If you would like to delve deeper into the topic, you can find more information via these links:

• Podcast “(RE)SEARCHING Diversity”
• Statements on academic freedom from Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, University of Greifswald and Europa-Universität Flensburg

A recording of the event will be uploaded here shortly.

In the second discussion round of the diversity discourse, we discussed with

• Prof. Dr. Simon Goebel (Professor of Social Work and Diversity at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences),
• Prof. Dr. Vassilis Tsianos (Professor of Sociological Foundations of Childhood Education at Kiel University of Applied Sciences and Chairman of the Board of the Council for Migration e. V.),
• Fabio Ghelli (Integration Media Service) and
• Vera Hanewinkel (research assistant at the University of Osnabrück in the focus Migration project to communicate scientific findings in the subject area)

current challenges, needs and solutions in science communication and (critical) policy support/advice in the field of migration. Around 40 participants attended the event and engaged in a direct exchange with the experts afterwards.

The discussion made it clear how great the challenges are that migration researchers are confronted with in public discourse. The four experts reported on examples from their work and reflected on possible solutions. For example, networks, cooperation and constant exchange between academia and the media and the use of one's own privileges to influence public discourse were named as key resources.

Useful information for academics, media professionals and the public can be found on the Mediendienst Integration website. Comprehensible information on the topics of migration, integration, forced migration and asylum can also be found on the website of the Federal Agency for Civic Education.

The panel discussion was organized as a hybrid event. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen technical problems (and the resulting lack of an audio track in large parts), a recording cannot be made available. The introductory presentation by Dr. Lisa Tometten is available for download.

On November 29, 2024, international experts reported on their research interests and findings in an online conference. These included:

• Exploring the potential of diversity for promoting social collaboration and innovation: Insights from the study of team faultlines
• Knowledge and Skills Development for Implementing the Industry 5.0 Concept
• To experience Bulgaria as a tourist destination - the advantage of being small but diverse
• Whitening Diversity: The Evanescence of Race in French and EU Diversity Politics
• Assessing the attributes of social and emotional managerial competence in terms of gender and age of entrepreneurs
• Migrationsprozesse und -treiber: Entscheidungsfindung, Politiken und Entwicklungsresultate
• Addressing and assessing the main challenges of diversity and inclusion in postmodern organizations. A systemic and integrated model
• Diverse meanings of diversity: from social justice to profit

We are pleased to be able to make this variety of topics and perspectives accessible to a public audience. Details of the event can be found on the Fair Future project website.

Around 25 participants came together online for the online discussion “AI for all: Rethinking science communication - focusing on interculturality, migration and gender” to find out more about artificial intelligence and its connection to discrimination. The three experts Angelica Lermann Henestrosa (psychologist and doctoral candidate at the Leibniz Institut für Wissensmedien in Tübingen), Katharina Mosene (political scientist, working at the Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung │ Hans-Bredow-Institut in Hamburg) and Heiner Coors (political scientist and political educator, working at the Niedersächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung) examined the topic from a psychological and political science perspective and on a systemic and individual level. In the subsequent open exchange, the participants were able to ask the experts individual questions.

The discussion was opened by a brief input on theoretical foundations and the Diversity Discourses project (in German). The recording of the discussion is available on Youtube (also in German).

At the Local Policy Workshop of the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) on “Age and Digitalization in the Work Context” on 07.05.2025, scientists, trade unions, employers, associations, politicians, etc. came together to develop recommendations for improvements in the EU in the form of a policy paper. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences thus participated in the international project "COST Action CA21107 DIGI-net: Inequalities in work in later life redefined by digitalization". The main aim of the initiative is to overcome critical gaps in conceptual innovation and bridge the gap between academic research and policy to better address inequalities in work redefined by digitalization. The project is led by PhD Martina Rašticová (Mendel University in Brno) and Prof. Dr. Petia Genkova (Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences).

The policy paper has now been completed and is available for download. It identifies various fields of work in which actions should be taken to make working life more inclusive for older employees in the course of advancing digitalization. These are (1) ageism and discrimination, (2) digital transformation in the wake of artificial intelligence, (3) best practices and digitalization as an opportunity, (4) organizational and structural aspects to support older workers and (5) needs and potentials of older workers. Recommendations are given in the areas of leadership and organization, work design, artificial intelligence and digital tools, transition to retirement and consolidation of knowledge and experience. The paper is aimed at those interested from practice and science who would like to contribute to an age-appropriate and fair working environment and is now available in German and English.

Policy Paper HS Osnabrück in German

Policy Paper HS Osnabrück in English

In January 2025, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences is sharing important information about diversity and (anti-)discrimination on its Instagram channel.

The Cult Euro 1 Test has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Validation Award from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This award recognizes projects within the "Validation of the Technological and Societal Innovation Potential of Scientific Research (VIP+)" program that excel in translating research results into impactful applications. In the recently published list of all nominated projects, interested readers can take a look at the impressive projects.

The fully digital test Cult Euro 1 enables a quick diagnosis of intercultural competence and provides companies, public authorities, and researchers with customized, scientifically sound results. The nomination – next to very important technical and medical projects – for the 2025 Validation Award highlights the innovative strength and societal value of this project.

Further information on the test can be found on the Cult Euro 1 project website!