DTU's primary responsibilities involve conducting world-class research, delivering education, and fostering innovation for the greater good of society. Achieving these goals necessitates a concerted effort to promote diversity and inclusivity at every organizational level to harness all available talents. The recently published diversity report affirms DTU's positive trajectory while shedding light on areas that warrant improvement. To establish an innovative and inclusive work and study environment, a diverse composition of gender, age, and nationality is essential. Consequently, the report concentrates on these three parameters.
"The report provides DTU's leadership with comprehensive data from across the organization, enabling them to refine further their efforts in promoting diversity. We observe a positive trajectory but also recognize the need for accelerated progress. For instance, women constitute only 14% of our professorships. This figure should be seen in light of the fact that in 2022, 23% of new professor recruits were women. So, there's still some way to go before we reach the interim target of at least 30% women in professorial roles," remarks Provost Rasmus Larsen.
Since 2021, DTU has increased its focus on work with diversity, inclusion, and equality and has prepared a DE&I plan that meets the EU's requirements. At DTU, diversity is not only about gender but about inclusion and equal opportunities for all. It aligns with DTU's overarching strategy to develop technology for all individuals' benefit and serve as a place of study and research for those with the capability and desire.
The work to promote a diverse environment takes place, among other things, by training HR partners in bias-aware management to support the university units in their recruitment processes. Moreover, all managers at DTU are offered competence development in inclusive management and bias-aware recruitment. The annual diversity report serves as a barometer to evaluate the progression in creating a diverse workforce.
"As a university, we must challenge the established norms and foster innovative thinking. Therefore, It is crucial for research and innovation to ask the curious questions that lead to research breakthroughs. The greater the diversity in our research environments, the lower the barrier to raising these inquisitive queries. That is why we work hard at DTU to avoid echo chambers, monocultural research, and employee groups," says Rasmus Larsen.
For an in-depth look, you can read the complete report here.
