Anniversary - 20 years of Kostelle
![[Translate to English:] 20 Jahre Sujet](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/7/csm_20-Jahre-Kostelle-transp-100-RGB-transp_9f81891bdd.png)
Who is the coordination office and what do we do?
As the central point of contact for issues relating to gender and diversity competence, inclusion and disability, the advancement of women, and equality, the coordination office also addresses questions of equal opportunities and protection against discrimination.
In our role as a cooperation partner, we accompany and advise on internal processes at BOKU, support the development and implementation of topic-related measures, and ensure that information is easily accessible. We coordinate, network, cooperate, inform, organize events, report, make recommendations, and document—always with the aim of strengthening a respectful, inclusive, and appreciative environment.
Join us below for a review of the origins and developments of the coordination office over the last 20 years.
2005
Establishment of the Coordination Office for Equality and Gender Studies under the direction of Mag. Eva Ploss. Tasks:
- Implementation of gender mainstreaming in teaching, research, and administration
- Career support for women
- Monitoring of gender equality indicators
- Workshops and awareness-raising measures
2006
Adoption of BOKU's first plan for the advancement of women.
2007
- Ingela Bruner becomes the first female rector of BOKU and Austria.
- First participation in Vienna's Daughters' Day.
2008
- Legal enshrinement of gender-neutral language.
2009
- Introduction of a 40% quota for women in collegial bodies (amendment to the University Act).
2013
First BOKU equality report published (students & staff).
2015
- 50% quota for women in collegial bodies (UG amendment).
- Mandatory equality plan in addition to the women's promotion plan.
- Official anchoring of the principle of compatibility.
2019
- For the first time, more women than men are studying at BOKU (5,182 men / 5,229 women).
- However, the ratio remains unbalanced among professors (71 male professors / 22 female professors).
2020
“On Stage” exhibition (January 23) celebrating 100 years of women's studies with 45 portraits of female experts.
2021
- First Awareness Days
- Recipient of the Sustainability Award for the elective course “Social Skills in Theory & Practice”
Restructuring:
Renaming of the Coordination Office for Equality and Gender Studies to the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Accessibility (through integration of the administrative office for supporting people with special needs)
Founding of Team Diversity
- Virtual conference on inclusion and disability (November 10).
- Relocation of the KoStelle to the Wilhelm Exner House.
2022
- Establishment of diversity management & launch of diversity strategy (kick-off & stakeholder discussions).
- Opening of the Inge Dirmhirn memorial display case.
- Expansion of the psychosocial counseling center for BOKU students.
- Publication of guidelines for gender- and diversity-sensitive language.
- First inclusion training courses & first ÖGS basic sign language course.
2023
- Signing of the Call for Action to End Gender-Based Violence.
- Awarding of the amaZone plaque & certificate “amaZone 2023.”
- Launch of the Diversity Strategy Steering Group, definition of key strategic goals (equality, anti-discrimination, accessibility, inclusion, work-life balance, diversity).
2024
- First BOKU Diversity Day in Tulln.
- Presentation of the first diversity award for research
- Minerva Award
2025
- 20th anniversary of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity & Disability.
- Start of the DI*partment tour (gender & diversity competence training).
- BOKU receives MATHILDA Award.
- Finalization & adoption of the diversity strategy in the fall.
Learn about our new diversity strategy here.
“Sustainable Diversity is a strategic approach adopted by BOKU University that links diversity with sustainability, social justice, and global transformation goals in the long term in order to promote structural change both within and outside the university.”
Click here!
Unsere Vision
The diversity strategy of BOKU University was developed through a participatory process, based on a draft prepared by the Diversity Steering Group and with the involvement of key stakeholders (such as the Working Group on Equal Treatment Issues, staff representatives of both general and academic personnel, the Ethics Platform, the Students’ Union of BOKU University, the Senate, and the University Council).
On November 4, 2025, the strategy was officially adopted by the Rectorate, and on November 19, 2025, it was unanimously endorsed by the Senate. The Senate complemented its resolution with the wish that the diversity strategy will find broad application and support.
