In June 2026, the SPP2176 presented the German Research Foundation (DFG) with a structured statement concerning the possibilities and constraints of using DFG funds to support Gender Equality Measures within the research programme. This statement was a result of in-depth discussion during the Final Conference of the SPP2176 in April 2026.
The statement addresses a range of individual approaches and solutions informed by nearly seven years of work by our Gender Equality Measures team: What worked? What didn’t work? And how to enact lasting change where it matters: by addressing structural issues in our scientific institutions.
The DFG took our statement very seriously and we received a detailed reply from the DFG’s Secretary-General addressing our points. She assured us that, in order to facilitate appropriate and comprehensive consultation, relevant topics would be grouped together, categorised by subject area and brought centrally into the relevant decision-making processes of the DFG-Senate.
Our call is intended to help create an environment in which it is easier to achieve systemic and lasting change that leads to a more equitable scientific community.