Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
At ISTA, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values that we see as essential for creating and disseminating new knowledge and for taking science into new directions.
ISTA strives for a diverse community with an open, inclusive culture where scientists and staff of all expertises and backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical disabilities, can work and learn together.
It is our shared understanding and awareness that, especially in STEM fields, it is a long journey to achieve a truly diverse and inclusive community, and one which requires honest, steadfast commitment. To this end, ISTA will steadily continue to implement and evaluate measures to increase our diversity and to strengthen our inclusive campus culture.
Our current concrete goals and measures in particular to gender equity & inclusion are summarized in our Gender Equality Plan.
We are all part of different groups, some of which we actively choose, some of which we don’t. At first glance, it might seem as if we do not have much in common, but if we look a little deeper, it is the little things that connect us. Sometimes, it might even take some courage to show the different sides of us to other people. Once we get to know each other, we realize: there is a lot that brings us together.
“ISTA is an institute seeking to promote diversity and inclusivity in scientific research, education, and practice. We recognize that only with the inclusion of all identities will we be able to achieve the true excellence that we are seeking.”
Martin Hetzer, President of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) © Peter Rigaud/ISTA
Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The EDI Working Group aims:
- To set priorities, provide input and take decisions on EDI topics that have been identified at the Institute;
- To strive for an inclusive working environment for all ISTA employees;
- To provide input and take decisions on measures to improve the gender balance – in particular at the level of scientific group leaders – in research areas where women are currently strongly underrepresented, specifically mathematics and computer science;
- To act as EDI ambassadors at the Institute.
With the current ISTA Gender Equality Plan, ISTA has set its sights on seven key aims for 2022-2026:
- Identify areas that require an improvement of organizational culture concerning EDI, psychological & physical safety
- Increase the number of women faculty in research areas where women are currently strongly underrepresented
- Wherever possible, ensure gender balance in decision-making among faculty
- Provide career support to young women scientists and dual career information to young scientists
- Provide possibilities to improve work-life balance
- Establish an all-gender inclusive organization
- Ensure that employees are aware of where to find support in conflict situations
Awareness raising and training
- Annual diversity monitoring
- Leadership curriculum for administrative supervisors
- Implicit bias trainings for all supervisors
- Soft skill training options for all employees
- Intercultural trainings for support staff
- Language courses (German and English) on campus
- Regular Equity, Diversity & Inclusion awareness raising at ISTA internal events
- Tailor-made EDI eLearning
Support with personal challenges
- Caretaker Fund – Financial support for staff with care responsibilities
- Conflict Management System
- Employee Assistance Program
Measures specifically for science
- Career development office for young scientists
- Search committee for female faculty positions in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science
- Participation of Good Practice Officer as neutral observer in postdoc recruitment discussions
External commitments and collaborations
EDI office contact: EDIoffice@ista.ac.at
