From left to right: GiF-Messenger Ivonne Löffler, Staff Memberss Falk Bornmüller and Jana George at the JSMM-Symposium "Perspectives on Sex and Gender in Medicine"

About us

What are the goals and structure of the 'Gender in Focus' project?
From left to right: GiF-Messenger Ivonne Löffler, Staff Memberss Falk Bornmüller and Jana George at the JSMM-Symposium "Perspectives on Sex and Gender in Medicine"
Image: Inka Rodigast
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Focus on Gender Aspects

In the sciences, the importance of biological sex and socio-cultural gender for a sustainable improvement in the quality of research results is increasingly being recognised. Inadequate consideration of these aspects can lead to research results being distorted or certain target groups not being adequately represented. This applies not only to the selection of study groups, but also to the interpretation of results and the development of solutions that are relevant to society as a whole.

A central challenge is that many researchers do not have the aspects of sex and gender in mind from the outset and are unable to integrate them into their research. They often lack the knowledge or methods to correctly identify and analyse the possible relevance of sex and gender for their own research question. In addition, stereotypical assumptions about the relevance or non-relevance of sex and gender aspects can unconsciously influence scientific questions and methods. These factors mean that research results do not always reflect the diversity of sex and gender.

Project Goals

  • Sensitisation, Consulting and Support

    This is where the BMFTR funded project ‘Gender in Focus’ comes in. Through targeted measures, we want to contribute to the sustainable integration of aspects of sex and gender into the university research structure.

    We offer workshops and courses that support researchers in recognising and taking into account gender-specific aspects in their work. These events not only impart theoretical knowledge, but also demonstrate very specific, practical methods of how sex and gender can be incorporated into research projects.

    The participating institutions are also available to advise researchers. Whether in the planning of new research projects or in ongoing projects - we offer individual support to ensure that gender-sensitive approaches are considered from the outset.

    In order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable change, we are working together with all stakeholders in research in a university-wide network. The consideration of sex and gender is to be anchored in a guideline and recognised as a central dimension of scientific excellence. In this way, we want to create an environment that promotes and structurally supports gender-sensitive research.

  • Areas of Action

    Policy

    The University of Jena identifies with the objective of systematically taking gender aspects into account across the entire spectrum of research and is developing a corresponding guideline in a discussion process.

    Awareness

    The topic of gender aspects in research is publicised with central information events and an information portal at the University of Jena. Experienced scientists with outstanding expertise act as exemplary ambassadors for 'Gender in Focus' and inspire, motivate and advise other scientists. Specific sensitisation and counselling skills are also promoted among employees of the research-supporting institutions in training courses and seminars. 

    The awarding of special prizes for gender-sensitive research work, various networking and transfer activities as well as target group-orientated awareness-raising materials help to impart basic knowledge and information on the subject.  

    Support

    Topic-specific training and advisory services are provided, which benefit from the expertise and competence of 'Gender in Focus' experts who are networked in a pool. The information portal also contains additional support materials such as tutorials, webinars and counselling contacts.

    Two special funds for early career researchers and established researchers provide resources for the promotion of gender aspects.

Project Structure

  • Ambassadors

    The Gender in Focus ambassadors actively support the project. Based on their own sex and gender-sensitive research, they inspire, motivate and advise other scientists and contribute to strengthening acceptance and support for the project goals via the profile areas.

    LIGHT Profile

    LIFE Profile

    LIBERTY Profile

  • Steering Group

    The coordination office is supported in the implementation of the project by a steering group made up of representatives from research-supporting facilities|institution|(structural) units at the University of Jena. Among other things, they ensure that the different target groups in research are addressed appropriately and in a needs-orientated manner.

  • External Advisory Board

    The work of the project is also supported by an external advisory board made up of representatives from science, business and society. The additional expertise of the advisory board members integrates diverse perspectives into the project implementation, promotes the transfer of project results and strengthens non-university networking.

    • Dr. Rosalind Cavaghan, Emma Goldman Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Member of the Coreteam at GENDER.ED
    • Dr.-Ing. Claudia Eggert, Federal Office for Materials Research and Testing in Berlin
    • Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Keiner, Chief Pharmacist at the St. Georg Klinikum in Eisenach
    • Prof. Marie von Lilienfeld-Toal, Director of the Institute for Diversity Medicine at the University of Bochum
    • Louisa Reichstetter, Content-Strategist/Business Development at ICO-LUX GmbH, Co-Founder of the consultancy firm Frauen.Macht.Führung
    • Dr. Clemens Striebing: Center for Responsible Research and Innovation at Fraunhofer IAO in Berlin
    • Beatrice Weinberger: Press and Public Relations Officer / Corporate Brand, Communications and Public Affairs, Carl Zeiss AG Jena
    • Elke Winter, Gender Equality Officer at the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture

Coordination Centre 'Gender in Focus'

  • Assistants
    • Isabelle Ahner - Scientific Assistant
    • Maya Köthe - Scientific Assistant