Sustainable Diversity – BOKU Diversity Strategy
Sustainable Diversity
Sustainable Diversity
With the implementation of a Diversity Strategy, BOKU is committed to a culture of diversity and an attitude of appreciation towards all students and employees at BOKU.
Like all areas of society, universities are also permeated by power relations that affect individuals in the form of privileges and disadvantages. As a university, BOKU has a social responsibility to enable equal participation and successful studying and working for all*.
One of BOKU's essential concerns is to make diversity liveable but also visible and to create a fair environment for all members. With concrete measures in the areas of study, teaching, research, personnel and international affairs, BOKU is committed to dismantling structural barriers in order to achieve equal access and advancement opportunities for all*.
The future topics of diversity, inclusion and social sustainability are closely interlinked as part of BOKU's diversity strategy (DSB). This approach is sustainable, holistic, long-term and resource-intensive.
By linking the six core goals of the DSB with eight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN-Agenda 2030, diversity and inclusion issues are strengthened in the context of social sustainability.
The target dimensions of the national strategy on the social dimension are also reflected in the core objectives of the DSB. BOKU thus embeds the social strategy integratively and intersectionally within the framework of the DSB. The target group of the measures are all BOKU members - both (potential) employees and (potential) students.
In this participative-iterative process, all BOKU members are invited to help shape a socially inclusive culture.
Key Objectives
6 Key Objectives
BOKU University pursues an understanding of diversity that takes into account the various aspects of diversity in their intersectional interrelationships and without hierarchical evaluation. Factors such as socioeconomic background, age and generation, educational background, cultural experiences, nationality, diverse lifestyles and family structures, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, individual self-image and worldview, mental and physical disabilities, chronic or mental illness, and care esponsibilities play an essential role in this context. This understanding forms the basis for the implementation of all strategic core objectives. BOKU University pursues six strategic core objectives that are intersectionally intertwined:
Equality and anti-discrimination
Accessibility and inclusion
Social inclusion
Intergenerational equity and cooperation
Ethnic diversity and anti-racism
Balancing studies, work, and other areas of life
Sustainable Diversity is the key concept of the diversity strategy of BOKU. The DSB combines six strategic core goals with the following eight Sustainable Development Goals/Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda: SDG 1 - No poverty, SDG 2 - Zero hunger, SDG 3 - Good health and well-being, SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 5 - Gender Equality, SDG 8 - Decent work, SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities and SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions.
Key Areas of Action
7 Key Areas of Action
To ensure that more equal opportunities and participation are possible for all people studying and working at BOKU, it is necessary to implement targeted measures in all areas and at all levels of the university. The BOKU diversity strategy therefore focuses on seven fields of action:
Diversity and University management
Diversity and Study
Diversity and Education
Diversity and Research
Diversity and Human Resources
International Diversity
Diversity and Communication
In all seven fields of action, the DSB is working with a total of 20 short, medium and long-term measures to make studying and working fair for everyone and to break down barriers.
Retreat participants in the field of diversity and communication (July 2024): the Rector and representatives of the University Council, Public Relations, Teaching: Communication and Reporting and the Coordination Office for Gender Equality, Diversity and Accessibility. Keynote speaker Christine Steger (Disability Advocate / Republic of Austria) is not pictured.
Awareness Days - Competence building for all
BOKU Awareness Days – Competence building: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
As part of the annual Awareness Days, various formats such as workshops, panel discussions and networking spaces are offered for all BOKU members. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, acquire knowledge and build up skills and competences in the areas of equity, diversity, anti-discrimination and social participation as well as disability/chronic illness and inclusion.
A look back over the last few years (starting 2021) reveals the broad spectrum of the diverse range of services on offer. You can find more information (in German) at the following link: https://short.boku.ac.at/awarenessdays
Inclusive Language Guide
Using language and images at BOKU: gender-sensitive, diversity-aware, inclusive
As a first measure within the framework of the diversity strategy, a recommendation for language use at BOKU was developed. The recommendation is available as a short and long version in German and English, find more information here.
Accompanying formats such as discussion forums, individual councelling and introductory workshops on diversity-sensitive language are offered regularly. For more information please contact kostelle@boku.ac.at
Diversity Award for Research
Diversity Awards for Teaching & Education
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.
You can find more information at the following link: https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityaward_research
Diversity Awards for Teaching & Education
Diversity is worth a price!
In 2026, the Diversity Awards for Teaching & Education were presented at BOKU for the first time.
Detailed information can be found under the following link https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityaward1
National Award for Patents 2025
Forschung , Innovationen , Wirtschaft und Finanzen , Wissenschaft
National Award for Patents 2025
With the Matilda Special Prize, BOKU receives special recognition for its achievements in the field of women's advancement and equality and convinced the jury in particular with its diversity strategy Sustainable Diversity.
Further information on the State Patent Award 2025 can be found under the following link s. https://www.patentamt.at/staatspreis-patent-2025
Minerva Awards 2024
Minerva Awards - BOKU's diversity strategy makes it onto the shortlist
Around 100 organizations and companies submitted entries for the WEconomy "Diversity Leaders Challenge". The best were honored at the Minerva Awards on April 28, 2024 at the Radiokulturhaus.
Success for BOKU's diversity strategy! Sustainable Diversity, the name of the participatory and sustainable diversity strategy of the Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity and Disability, has made it onto the shortlist of the 30 best and most innovative companies in the field of diversity in the "Diversity Leaders Challenge". The three winners - Wiener Stadtwerke Group, Manz Verlag and ÖBB Holding - were honored at the Minerva Awards on April 28, 2024 at the Radiokulturhaus.
BOKU's participatory, transparent and sustainable diversity strategy combines the future topics of diversity, inclusion and social sustainability. Maciej Palucki, Ela Posch and Ruth Scheiber-Herzog are responsible for the strategy and its operational implementation.
BOKU Diversity Day #3
On June 3, 2026, the first Diversity Awards for Teaching were awarded as part of the third BOKU Diversity Day!
Details on the program and registration can be found under the following link: https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityaward1
BOKU Diversity Day #2
Women*Traces, Plural History and Critical Debate: Diversity Day 2025 at BOKU
Also in 2025 we made a little road trip and celebrate Diversity Day #2 in Pride Month. On June 4, we discover important female figures of Währing during a city walk, to which all BOKU employees were cordially invited.
Programme
13.30 Start in front of the TÜWI
14.00-16.00 Vienna Women's City Walk through Währing with Petra Unger
16.00 Joint S-Bahn ride to the Muthgasse location
16.30 Flag Action – Raising of the Progressive Pride Flag
17.00 - 18.00 Presentation of the Diversity Strategy
Conclusion & networking with finger food and drinks
With Diversity Day 2025, BOKU has once again set an example - for tolerance, equal participation and a university culture that takes responsibility for what has long been made "invisible". The day of action on 4 June was part of the university's diversity strategy Sustainable Diversity, which not only systematically links diversity with sustainability and social justice, but also with critical self-reflection and institutional responsibility.
You can find out more about women's traces in Währing and education in public space, lived diversity in dialogue and photo contributions to Diversity Day #2 under the following link: https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityday2
BOKU Diversity Day #1
On June 5, 2024, we celebrated the first BOKU Diversity Day in Tulln – all BOKU members were cordially invited!
Together, we sent a strong signal for more diversity and against discrimination and violence.
First item on the agenda – hoisting of the new rain bogan flags at the UFT and IFA.
The second highlight was the presentation of the first Diversity Awards for Research at BOKU – in a pleasant atmosphere with buffet and drinks. More information about the Diversity Award can be found under the following link: short.boku.ac.at/diversitaetspreis_forschung
After a wonderful and eventful road trip to Tulln, we are looking forward to more Diversity Days at BOKU!
A photo review of Diversity Day #1 can be found under the following link, see https://short.boku.ac.at/diversityday1
Publication of Strategy Paper 2025
![[Translate to English:] Sujet Strategiepapier Diversitätsstrategie BOKU](/fileadmin/data/H02000/H29400/Jubilaeum/Fotos/2025_11_24_14_03_18-2_-_20_Jahre_Koordinationsstelle__-_BOKU_University_-_Peter_Zeschitz.jpg)
Publication of Strategy Paper 2025
BOKU's Sustainable Diversity strategy has been published. It was developed in a participatory process on the basis of a draft of the steering group and with the involvement of central actors (AKGL, works councils, ethics platform, ÖH, Senate, University Council). In November 2025, the strategy was unanimously adopted by the Rectorate and receives broad support from the central committees, including the Senate and the University Council. The short and long version as well as further information can be found under the following link: https://boku.ac.at/fileadmin/data/H02000/H29400/Diversitaet/Diversitaetsstrategie/Diversitaetsstrategie_LANGVERSION_final.pdf
The diversity strategy anchors diversity as a principle for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable university culture and implements its goals in seven key areas of action with six intersectionally linked core objectives. It is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (including SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11. 13, 16, 17) and thus contributes to global social justice and sustainability.
With the publication, we are starting the further implementation phase: prioritized measures include extended gender and diversity monitoring, spaces for reflection (RESPEKT. Raum.BOKU, Climate Emotions), diversity in teaching (e.g. Diversity Award for Teaching, podcast "Inclusive Diversity"), STEM mentoring, the DI*Partment Tour, training on intercultural competence and UniCare/Take CARE!. We would like to thank all those involved and invite the entire BOKU community to actively support the strategy.
The publication of the strategy paper took place as part of the anniversary celebrations of the coordination office, s. https://short.boku.ac.at/jubilaeum-20-jahre-kostelle
Kick-off steering group June 2023
Steering group Diversity strategy
BOKU's diversity strategy has set itself core objectives such as equality & anti-discrimination, accessibility & inclusion, compatibility, intergenerational equity, social inclusion and ethnic diversity, as well as meta-objectives such as transparency through communication. The aim is to share the steps and procedures within the strategy with as many BOKU members as possible:
On June 1, the Diversity Strategy Steering Group was launched in the Gregor Mendel House. It was set up by Rector Eva Schulev-Steindl and is moderated by Maciej Palucki.
The steering group will meet twice a year in order to network the various fields of action in the sense of a holistic approach, to stimulate new ideas, to recognize problems, to pick up on moods in their areas and to support and promote the agendas in the field of diversity at BOKU internally.
Status Quo March 2023
With its commitment to implementing a diversity strategy, BOKU has set itself the goal of making the university more equal opportunity, more inclusive and more diverse. After the first participatory milestone of the process - the kick-off event of the strategy in the context of the "Werte im Wandel" days in November 2022, the Coordination Office for Gender Equality, Diversity and Accessibility (Ko-Stelle) continues to work intensively with the client of the strategy, the university management. Meetings with BOKU members and stakeholders take place on an ongoing basis in order to be able to implement and realize diversity jointly and effectively. In total, about 100 measures have been identified so far in this participatory process, which are now being reviewed in terms of feasibility, financial viability and effectiveness in exchange with the rectorate and will be elaborated in detail in the future. The first measures within the framework of the diversity strategy will be implemented before the end of 2023 and will be visible at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.
Kick-off participatory process 2022
How should diversity be lived and experienced at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in the future?
At the kick-off of the BOKU Diversity Strategy (DSB) on November 16 from 13:00 to 17:00 this important question will be answered in a participatory way. All BOKU members are cordially invited to participate and to jointly contribute ideas and recommendations for action at the kick-off. They will be accompanied by BOKU internal and external experts in the fields of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Welcome Rector LL.M. Univ.Prof. Mag. Dr.iur. Eva Schulev-Steindl
Keynote Dr.in Roswitha Hofmann
World Café Within the framework of a World Café format, topic tables on the individual fields of action will be available: Diversity and University Management, Diversity and Studies, Diversity and Teaching, Diversity and Research, Diversity and International Affairs, Diversity and Human Resources, Open Topic Table Diversity and (...). Along guiding questions, important impulses for BOKU can be discussed and ideas for measures can be contributed.
Moderation Gabriele Bargehr, DSA.in, MSc
Exchange and Networking After the content-related exchange, there will be time for further exchange over snacks and DJ sounds.
Concept decision & official launch October 2021
Concept decision & official launch October 2021
Together with key stakeholders, the Coordination Office developed the concept for BOKU's diversity strategy and thus laid the foundation for future-oriented further development.
- Developing diversity together and implementing it effectively on the basis of legal bases
- Guiding Principles - Diversity as a Strategic Approach & Attitude
- Definition of core goals and fields of action
- Identification of internal and external stakeholders
- Flowchart Strategy Process
- Timeline: Milestones & Development Phases
On 12 October 2021, the concept was unanimously adopted by the Rectorate. Since then, coordination and technical implementation has been in the hands of the Coordination Office.