A spotlight on diversity in science | Current calls & upcoming events | DFG diversity funding principles, “Getting started in Germany”, superdiversity & more ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Newsletter December 2024
Dear Ema Karo,  
 
How diverse is German science? As you will see, this question is not always easy to answer. For example, data on the race or ethnicity of researchers is not routinely collected at German institutions of higher education (find out why in the “A closer look” section!). But one thing is clear: Germany is host to a large and diverse community of researchers from around the world – in fact, the country is number 2 worldwide as a destination for international academics.  
 
In this issue of our newsletter, we provide you with helpful information on diversity in German science, including for funding applicants at the German Research Foundation (DFG). At the same time, we shine a light on scientists that focus on diversity as a research topic. And because it is December, we introduce you to some German Christmas traditions – and wish you a happy holiday season! 
 
PS The next issue of this newsletter will reach you in February. Until then, take care and have a good start to the new year!
Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic.
Current calls
Apply by: 1 February 2025 
Postdoc: research in the field of climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation
International Climate Protection Fellowship
Go to Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Apply by: 11 February 2025 
Graduates, PhD & Postdoc: mathematics, computer science or closely related fields
Heidelberg Laureate Forum
Go to Heidelberg Laureate Forum
Apply by: 15 February 2025 (abstract submission) 
Graduates, PhD & Postdoc: (natural) sciences & disciplines related to amino acid research
Evonik Stiftung Scholarship & Werner Schwarze Fellowship for the Promotion of Amino Acid Research
Go to Evonik Foundation
Apply by: 19 February 2025 (registration until 12 February) 
Advanced research: humanities
UK-German Funding Initiative in the Humanities
Go to German Research Foundation (DFG)
Apply by: 28 February 2025 
PhD: economics, social sciences and humanities
Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship & Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship
Go to Hans Böckler Foundation
Apply by: any time 
Advanced research: all disciplines
Henriette Herz Scouting Programme
Go to Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
A spotlight on: diversity in science
© iStock/smartboy10
WEBSITE
Fair and square: the DFG’s equity and diversity principles for funding 
 
To conduct research that is relevant to the challenges of our time, science needs diversity and a wide range of perspectives. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is the central and largest funding organisation for research in Germany. As such, it promotes a research landscape that reflects diversity and equal opportunities – and offers numerous measures to reach that goal.  
 
On this website, the DFG collects all relevant information on equity and diversity measures in its funding procedures. This includes advice for funding applicants and information events (partly in English) as well as the DFG’s equity and diversity concept and gender equality monitoring – find out more on the website!
A closer look: work in Germany
© iStock/Laurence Dutton
ARTICLE
Why researchers in Germany are pushing for missing ethnicity data
How can you increase diversity in science if you have no data about how diverse science actually is? This fascinating Nature article explores Germany’s deep uneasiness with collecting ethnicity data and the paradoxes that arise from that. Owing to the country’s history, neither the German census nor universities and funding organisations collect data on racial or ethnic diversity. This makes it difficult to measure changes or achievements in ethnic diversity issues – a prerequisite for policy changes. Find out in this article how some researchers are trying to deal with this challenge.
© iStock/AaronAmat
PUBLICATION
New edition of “Getting started in Germany” – the magazine by deutschland.de
Moving to a new country raises countless questions: Where do I need to register? How do I find a place to live? What do I need to open a bank account? “Getting started in Germany”, the free digital magazine by the online platform deutschland.de, answers the many questions skilled workers might have when arriving in Germany. The magazine is available in twelve languages and offers tips and information on everything from family life to healthcare. Get started!
© iStock/SrdjanPav
PODCAST
“(Re)Searching Diversity: a social sciences podcast for researchers and students
This podcast, which is organised by a community of female early-career researchers from German and Dutch research institutions, aims at increasing the visibility of research on ethnic, cultural and migration-related diversity. In each episode, an inspiring researcher is invited to discuss their career path, favourite research literature and important diversity issues in society. From environmental justice to intersectionality in law – “(Re)Searching Diversity” tackles big topics in an engaging way. As a result, the podcast is also a valuable teaching resource for students of the social sciences.
The bigger picture: life in Germany
© iStock/Amparo Garcia
ARTICLE
Santa Claus is German? 8 Christmas traditions with German roots
For many people, Christmas is a time of traditions – from a decorated Christmas tree to Santa Claus bringing the presents. Surprisingly many of these customs come from Germany. Christmas markets? German! The Christmas tree? A tradition linked to Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer! Santa’s red coat and white beard? The invention of German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast! Even the lovely Christmas bauble, which nowadays hangs on Christmas trees all over the world, originated in Germany. If you are curious for more Christmas fun facts, check out this article!
In case you missed it
A new level of complexity: an interview with Steven Vertovec about superdiversity
Steven Vertovec, anthropologist and director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, has coined the term “superdiversity” – a societal diversity that is highly complex and goes far beyond previous levels. What does this mean for policy makers and administrators? Find out in this engaging video interview!
Target-group-specific funding programmes by the DAAD
International exchange is an important driver for diversity in science. Equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion are therefore among the German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) main strategic goals. On this website, you will not only find the DAAD’s Diversity Agenda, but also a list of funding programmes specifically tailored to previously underrepresented groups. Have a look!
German Postdoc Network officially kicks off – and is looking for motivated postdocs
The postdoctoral career phase comes with many challenges. The new German Postdoc Network (GPN) is here to help! The GPN aims to create a vibrant community for postdocs across all disciplines and institutions. Now that the network has officially kicked off, they are inviting motivated postdocs into their working groups. You have the chance to actively shape the GPN and advocate for postdocs’ interests. Also check out their newsletter, Lunch Talk series and news section!
Upcoming events
09.12. 
DEC 2024 · ONLINE
Info talk: DFG Funding Offers for Scientific Careers (in German)
10.12. 
DEC 2024 · ONLINE
“Citizens as Sensors? Exploring Participation in the Internet of Things in Smart Cities” (webinar)
11.12. 
DEC 2024 · ONLINE
Working and Living in Germany (webinar)
11.12. 
DEC 2024 · ONLINE
Digital Women in Science Day
Your turn!
What do you think is the main benefit of diversity in science? 
We suggest that the most significant advantages may include gaining new perspectives, fostering increased creativity, solving global challenges, and promoting greater inclusivity. 
What are your thoughts on this?
New perspectives
Increased creativity
Solving global challenges
Greater inclusivity
Last month’s results: 
Have you ever thought about turning your research into a business?
In November, we asked you if you had ever thought about turning your research into a business. The answers were very divided: while 27% of you would rather focus on your research, the majority (36%) would love to have their own business! And: as much as 18% of you already have their own business, while the same number of readers don’t think this a realistic goal.
Let’s stay in touch
Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events.
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