Excellent science needs a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Diversity refers to the dimensions of difference between individuals, including researchers. In German texts, the DFG uses the terms Diversität, Vielfältigkeit and Diversity synonymously. In addition to sex and/or gender, it includes other dimensions such as age, ethnic origin and nationality, sexual orientation, religion and ideology, disability or chronic/long-term illness as well as social origin (e.g. economic situation, non-academic family background, migration history).(Popup Link)

In addition to their subject-specific training, people working in science and the humanities always contribute a unique perspective to the research system and to research questions and their solutions based on their life experience and diverse backgrounds. Diverse working groups in science and the humanities can have a positive impact on the quality of research and research results. Providing the appropriate framework conditions are created, diversity thus has the capacity to add value in terms of excellent research.(Popup Link)

No one should be prevented from pursuing an academic career because of factors unrelated to science.

In addition to the point made above regarding the diversity of those conducting research, aspects of diversity can also be relevant to the design of research and influence the quality of research results.

For more information about the aspect of diversity and equity in relation to research content and in particular the planning of research projects, see

Sex, gender and diversity in research(interner Link)

Diversity, flexibility and permeability(interner Link)

For more information on how the DFG takes diversity into account in research, see

DFG – Equal opportunities and diversity(externer Link)

More information about the topic of diversity

General Act on Equal Treatment(externer Link)

Arbeiterkind.de(externer Link) (in German only)

Promi – Promotion inklusive, University of Köln(externer Link) (in German only)