Next steps on diversity

Universities are becoming more inclusive, but challenges remain say Thomas Jørgensen and Anna-Lena Claeys-Kulik

European society is increasingly diverse. Rising awareness of this has made inclusiveness a key challenge for society and a strategic question for universities and higher education institutions, affecting teaching, research and institutional cultures.

Although awareness of gender diversity has risen, progress on gender equality, and the representation of women in top positions in both business and universities, remains sluggish. Regarding cultural diversity, the arrival of a large number of refugees in recent years has raised awareness about the challenges and opportunities for refugees in universities. Many have programmes to welcome refugee students and scholars.