At TU Munich, diversity can be found on many different levels - in terms of age, gender, culture, language, health, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or religion. For the Department of Sports and Health Sciences (SG), the topic of diversity is a core concern. The annual diversity report has already been there since 2013 and has now been published for the eighth time.
"I am very pleased that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, diversity measures were able to continue last year," explains Andrea Göttler, the department's Diversity Officer. "The focus of the report this time was on the culture of diversity as well as strengthening inclusion. For example, we took a closer look at the issues of racism and LGBT, but above all we also want to establish a culture of diversity that will be built up in the longer term."
The department has been involved in 25 diversity-related research projects. Four articles in edited volumes, 16 book chapters and 21 journal articles were published. In addition, seven diversity-related conferences, workshops and events were held. In the winter semester 2019/20, 18 diversity-related courses were offered, and in the summer semester 2020, 20 courses were offered. The department was also active in international teaching with a lecture as well as the development of a teaching initiative. Furthermore, a total of eight international visiting scholars were invited to the department.
"These numbers demonstrate once again that the entire department excels in its commitment to diversity," Göttler said. "This includes the diversity report, but also the diversity award for theses, which is presented annually during the Absolvia celebration."
Because balancing study/work and family is a central focus of the department's gender equality efforts, family-friendly offerings have been continually expanded. Among other things, flexible childcare is available upon request for events, conferences, meetings or official appointments that fall outside of regular childcare hours. Furthermore, there is the option of borrowing a mobile KidsBox, which allows parents to care for their offspring in the event of a short-term childcare shortfall, illness or during vacation periods at the workplace.