RMUnity in Diversity
The Alliance as a Multiplier of Equal Opportunity
RMU stands for equal opportunity. The three universities are committed to enabling all their members to fully develop their individual talents and potential. Strengthening and continuously advancing a non-discriminatory, equitable, diversity-sensitive, and inclusive culture in study, work, and research is a core prerequisite for this commitment—one that RMU understands as a cross-cutting responsibility across the entire alliance.
RMU brings together the complementary expertise of its offices and institutions dedicated to equal opportunity, gender equality, and diversity, which work in close and continuous exchange. The diversity of perspectives and systematic knowledge transfer foster organizational learning—both within the individual universities and across the alliance as a whole.
Binding diversity strategies, gender equality plans, anti-discrimination policies, and monitoring systems set shared standards. Through regular exchange on best practices in governance, evaluation, and impact assessment, RMU continuously professionalizes and strengthens its efforts to promote an equitable academic culture.
In addition, RMU advances equal opportunity through alliance-wide programs, events, and strategic collaborations.
Projects and Events
RMU Weeks of Equal Opportunities
Since 2020, RMU has organized the annual RMU Weeks of Equal Opportunities, creating a dedicated space for exchange, reflection, and networking around the advancement of an equitable and diversity-sensitive academic culture.
With a diverse program of keynote lectures, practice-oriented workshops, and dialogue-based formats, the RMU Weeks address key structural and institutional challenges related to promoting equal opportunity in academia. Topics range from career development, inclusive leadership, and bias reflection to diversity-oriented organizational development and the reconciliation of academic careers with care responsibilities.
The RMU Weeks are particularly aimed at members of collaborative research networks. Researchers at all career stages benefit from the cross-institutional diversity of perspectives, exchange with leading experts, and the systematic transfer of best practices.
By strengthening collaborative research environments and providing a responsible space for strategic dialogue, the RMU Weeks contribute to the continued development of a shared understanding of an equitable academic culture.
The next RMU Weeks of Equal Opportunities will take place in fall 2026.
Overview of Previous Keynotes:
- 2025 “On the Path Toward Equality and Fairness: Where Does the German Academic System Stand Four Years After #IchBinHanna?”
Jun.-Prof. Amrei Bar, University of Stuttgart - 2024 “Excellence! But Which Kind? Reflections on the Relationship Between Excellence, Equality, Visibility — and Good Research”
Prof. Dr. Ute Klammer, University of Duisburg-Essen - 2023 “Join Forces! Why We Need More Men Engaged in Gender Equality in Academia — Roles and Opportunities”
Vincent-Immanuel Herr and Martin Speer - 2022 „Bias and Career Path in Academia”
Prof. Dr. Tomas Brage, Lund University, Sweden - 2021 “The Impact of the Pandemic on Women’s Career Opportunities in Academia”
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jutta Allmendinger, President of the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
Kurswechsel online – Career Conference for Female Early Career Researchers
The career conference Kurswechsel (literally “Changing Course”) offers women researchers comprehensive career orientation. The digital, English-language conference is held every two years and is aimed at (post-)doctoral researchers from all disciplines across Germany.
Raising Awareness Against Abuse of Power in Academia
RMU takes a clear stance against abuse of power in academia. To firmly embed this critical issue within the universities, a joint event series was launched in 2025/2026. Its aim is to make visible the structural and systemic dimensions of abuse of power—practices that fundamentally contradict the core principles of universities and academic integrity.
Previous Events
- Nov. 2025 Public Lecture “Abuse of Power in Academia: Forms, Causes, and Proposed Solutions” with Prof. Dr. Daniel Leising (TU Dresden)
- Nov. 2025 Lecture „Academic Bullying 101: Impact on Individuals, Society, and the Progress of Science” with Morteza Mahmoudi PhD
- Workshop “Pay Attention, Speak Up, Offer Support — Together Against Abuse of Power at Universities”
- Dec 2025 for Researchers
- Jan 2026 for Administrative and Technical Staff
Jan 2026 for Students
Upcoming Events
Balancing Studies, Academic Careers, and Family Responsibilities
RMU is committed to shared standards that support the reconciliation of academic studies and research careers with family responsibilities. Through initiatives such as the Family in Higher Education network, the alliance works continuously and sustainably to improve conditions for students and staff with family commitments.
RMU embraces a broad understanding of family as a key cross-cutting institutional issue. Family takes diverse forms and includes all ways of life in which people assume and experience long-term social responsibility, care, and solidarity.
Across the alliance, RMU organizes joint information and exchange formats on topics related to family and care responsibilities, open to members of all three universities. A recent example is the newly introduced exchange format for students with caregiving responsibilities.
Through the Dual Career Service@RMU we support the partners of newly appointed top-level academics in continuing their careers within the region of our universities. In doing so, we also actively promote the reconciliation of professional and family life.
Contact
At all three universities, dedicated offices and services for equal opportunity, gender equality, and diversity are available. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to seek advice.
You can find detailed information on the respective focus areas, advisory services, and available programs here:
