Greater biodiversity increases the stability and robustness of ecosystems, species, and individuals. But do similar principles apply to the research ecosystem? Despite numerous programs, statements, and discussions advocating for greater diversity in science, empirical data and evidence on the effects of diversity on research quality remain scarce. This knowledge gap is of particular concern given the deep-rooted biases within the research system and the persistently low levels of diversity in academia in terms of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.

Panel Discussion with Reception, November 3, 2023 in Berlin (+ live stream).

Co-hosted by the QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the Berlin Institute of Health, the Berlin University Alliance, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, this panel of experts will discuss the impact of team diversity, or lack thereof, on the rigor, reliability, robustness, and transparency of research by exploring insights previously gathered from a global community at a virtual Unconference.

Hosted by Tracey Weissgerber, group leader, QUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin.

Panel

• Marietta Auer, Vice President of the German Research Foundation (DFG), Professor of Private Law and International and Interdisciplinary Foundations of Law, University of Giessen and Frankfurt, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the History and Theory of Law
• Isolde Karle, Vice Rector for Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development, Ruhr University Bochum, Professor of Practical Theology, Ruhr University Bochum
• Gertraud Stadler, Director Institute for Gender in Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Professor of Gender-Sensitive Prevention Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Lydia Rhyman, Computational Chemist, University of Mauritius, member of the Global Young Academy and co-organizer of the virtual brainstorming.

Following the discussion, we would like to invite you to a small reception in the foyer.

Registration for the participation on-site event is required. The link for the live stream will be posted on the Einstein Foundation Berlin website shortly.

The panel discussion will take place at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin as part of the internationally renowned Berlin Science Week, an annual science festival that brings together thousands of people from science, business, politics, art and society.

Participating Organizations

This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research, the BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research, the Berlin University Alliance, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Together, we aim to shed light on the multi-faceted relationship between academic diversity and research quality to advance the promotion of sound scientific practice.