SUND
Latest news from the Gender Equality Council at SUND
Neurodiversity, recruitment practices and the next round of Mentoring for Change were among the many topics discussed when the Gender Equality Council at SUND met on 30 April 2025.
The Gender Equality Council at the Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND LiU) works to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion at the faculty. Here is an overview of key points from the meeting held on 30 April 2025.
Discussions
Gender Statistics and new GE report
The committee discussed the possibility of inviting SDU Analytics to an upcoming meeting to present the Gender Statistics portal. The latest Gender Equality Report was reviewed and shared as an appendix to provide inspiration from other faculties.
Neurodiversity and inclusive environments
There was a dialogue about SDU's temporary closure of reflection rooms and the need to accommodate, for example, neurodivergent staff members. The Gender Equality Team (GET) has prepared a guide on managing neurodivergent staff, which will be circulated to the committee.
The Department of Molecular Medicine (IMM) is prioritising neurodiversity, while the Department of Public Health (IST) and IMM are working to establish a joint local equality committee.
Recruitment and career pathways
Several departments are actively working to improve recruitment practices:
- The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics (IOB) and the Department of Psychology (IP) have set up a joint equality committee.
- IP has held a recruitment workshop and developed a career matrix with clear entry-level criteria and expectations for academic positions.
- The Department of Clinical Research (KI) and the Department of Regional Health Research (IRS) are focusing on job titles and standardising recruitment procedures.
Targeted initiatives at SIF
The National Institute of Public Health (SIF) has carried out a survey on unwanted sexual attention, showing positive developments.
The institute has also introduced both Danish and English as working languages and established a theme group on public involvement in research – for example, people with developmental disabilities are being employed in research projects.
SIF is also working with Væksthuset to help individuals outside the labour market return to employment.
Updates
SUND HR – focus areas
SUND HR is working on a number of initiatives:
- Exploring the possibility for parental leave pools to also cover costs from externally funded positions.
- Developing shared criteria for academic positions and promotions, in collaboration with the departments.
- Providing guidance on candidates entitled to preferential treatment for interviews – information will be circulated shortly.
Mentoring for Change – new programme in 2025–2026
The conclusion of this year’s programme was marked, and the upcoming programme was presented.
The programme will be anchored in SUND HR and is aimed at PhD students, postdocs and assistant professors. Participation requires physical attendance, and all meeting dates are confirmed upon registration. The deadline for registration is 16 June 2025.
Next steps
- The guide on neurodiversity will be circulated.
- The invitation to SDU Analytics will be further discussed.
- Registration for Mentoring for Change is open – deadline 16 June.
- The working group on the leaking pipeline will continue and meet with GET.
Want to know more? Read the full minutes from the Gender Equality Council meeting on 30 April 2025 here.
About the Gender Equality Council at SUND
SUND’s Gender Equality Council works to promote equality, equal access and diversity at all levels of the faculty’s organisation.
The committee helps to shape an inclusive culture and recruitment practices through local and faculty-wide initiatives, in collaboration with both HR and central SDU units.
The Gender Equality Committee at the Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND) reports directly to the Dean and to SDU’s central Gender Equality Council.