Diversity Award for research

In December 2023, BOKU announced the Diversity Award for Research for the first time. The award ceremony will take place at the first BOKU Diversity Day on June 5, 2024 in Tulln.

The establishment of the award is a measure of the diversity strategy that has been implemented at BOKU and is intended to radiate into all fields of action at our university - as in this case in the field of diversity and research.

The importance of diversity in research

We know from numerous studies that a diverse composition of research teams brings many advantages and innovations: for example, an increased quality of results due to a greater diversity of perspectives or the reduction of biases, i.e. fewer unconscious assumptions. A content-related and/or methodological focus on diversity can also increase the diversity of perspectives and achieve more comprehensive research results.

Who can submit?

Everyone who conducts diversity-sensitive research as individuals or teams is invited to participate. Research projects (ongoing or completed), publications, scientific presentations and posters can be submitted. BOKU researchers can submit their individual or team projects until March 31.

Selection criteria

The submissions are evaluated on three levels:

  • At the personal level, for example, gender relations, origin, inclusion and other biographical factors are taken into account.
  • At the content and methodological level, gender-theoretical and diversity-sensitive factors play a role - for example with regard to the research question or methodological approach.
  • On a structural level, the social impact of the research project is relevant, for example in terms of participation and visibility with regard to diversity.

A BOKU jury will evaluate the projects based on the defined criteria.

Endowment

   Main Award Diversity Research 1,500 euros
   Recognition Award Diversity Research 500 euros

Award ceremony on Diversity Day

We want to celebrate the awarding of the first Diversity Award for Research. On June 5, 2024, the diversity awards for research – a main award and a recognition prize – will be awarded during the first BOKU Diversity Day in Tulln. After the awards ceremony, BOKU will host a Diversity Brunch - culinary diversity included!

You can find more information about the submission under the following link

https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityaward

Rektorin, Jury-Mitglied und Preisträger*innen Hauptpreis - Diversitätspreis Forschung 2024

Main award winner

Christina Plank & Team for the research project

Klimasoziales Linz

Please find more infotmation under the following link: https://klimasozial.at/

Congratulations!

Rektorin, Jury-Mitglied und Preisträger*innen Anerkennungspreis Diversitätspreis Forschung 2024

Recognition award winner

Tatjana Fischer & Team for the research project

CE-Spaces 4All

– Accessible Spaces for All – Improving Accessibility of Tourism for Persons with Disabilities in Central Europe

Please find more information under the following link: https://boku.ac.at/rali/irub/kooperationen/ce-spaces4all-interreg-projekt

Congratulations!

Jury Diversity Awards

Portrait Elisabeth Denk

Elisabeth Denk is Head of Research Support, Innovation & Technology Transfer at BOKU University. She has many years of experience in research management and support and closely follows developments in relation to gender, diversity and social impact in the area of research funding.

Portrait Ela Posch

Ela Posch holds a PhD in Gender Studies and is Coordinator for Gender Equality and Diversity at BOKU University. Research and teaching in the fields of intersectionality, transculturality, diversity and social sustainability.

Portrait Manuela Larcher

Manuela Larcher is Vice-chairwoman at the Equal Opportunities Working Party and senior scientist at the Institute for Sustainable Economic Development at BOKU University. She works in the field of environmental, climate change and agricultural sociology. Her research focuses are on agricultural household strategies and farm succession.

Portrait Michaela Zint

Michaela Zint is a member of BOKU's Unirat and an Associate Dean and Professor at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability. She has been extensively involved in her unit's and university's efforts to advance "JEDI" - Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goals as well as led an initiative to decolonize her unit's curriculum.

Portrait Stefanie Lemke

Stefanie Lemke holds a PhD in Rural Sociology, habilitation in Gender and Nutrition. Sie is head of the Institute of Development Research at BOKU University. Research and teaching in the fields of food sovereignty, human right to adequate food and nutrition, gender, intersectionality, sustainable food systems.

You can find more information (in German) under the following link: https://short.boku.ac.at/diversitaetspreis_forschung

Please find more photos of the Diversity Awards ceremony in the "Fotorückblick Diversity Day in Tulln 2024" section under the following link https://short.boku.ac.at/diversitaetsstrategie