Chalmers' DEI Office was opened at a ceremony attended by the Swedish Minister for Gender Equality, Paulina Brandberg. This marks the beginning of a coordinated and broadened approach to equality – and an increased ambition for Chalmers' work environment.
Equality is a prerequisite for Chalmers to be a good place to work and study, and to develop as a technical university. Offering an inspiring and inclusive work environment is an important part of attracting and retaining the best researchers and students.
“I am proud that Chalmers chooses to focus on strengthened academic excellence combined with a raised ambition for the work environment,” said Maria Elmquist, Deputy President responsible for leadership and equality, in her inaugural speech. “In these times, when voices are raised against investments in gender equality and diversity, it feels even more important to clearly stand up for people's right to be themselves. The goal is that it should not matter who you are, but that everyone should be treated with respect and judged based on what you do and how you do it. Unfortunately, we know that this is still not a matter of course, not even in our environment, and therefore we need to continue working systematically on these issues.”
Focus on equality for students and staff
The DEI Office will have an advisory function towards departments, companies, and others at Chalmers who want to develop their work environment towards increased equality. It will also serve as a digital hub and knowledge bank with current research in the field.
“It is very positive that there are many people who work for an equal work environment at Chalmers,” said DEI Officer Malin Albrektsson. “The conditions look a bit different in different parts of the organisation. The new function is introduced to coordinate all the good work that is already ongoing, so that we can work more systematically on these issues and also broaden the perspective to include all grounds of discrimination.”
The minister emphasised quality issues
Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life, Paulina Brandberg, was invited to the inauguration to speak about the ongoing work at the national level.
“Sweden needs a recruitment base for higher education and research careers that encompasses our entire society,” said Paulina Brandberg. “Gender equality in academia is a matter of justice and quality. There is no contradiction between equality and quality – on the contrary, one strengthens the other.”
Equality as a broader concept
The DEI Office coordinates work on diversity, equality and inclusion at Chalmers. The university has chosen the term Equality to represent the letter E in the abbreviation, to focus on equality as a broad concept.
Photo: Anna-Lena Lundqvist
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