Diversity and equality

The University of Copenhagen has an international work and study environment based on values such as democracy, openness and equal opportunities. The University is an inclusive workplace that wishes to attract the most talented students and staff regardless of personal background. The University is keen to create a tolerant culture where everyone is treated equally, and where diversity is a strength, not a challenge.

Based on the University's overall strategy, Talent and collaboration – Strategy 2023, the University puts focus on equality and diversity.

The strategy focuses on ensuring that the University of Copenhagen can continue to attract, develop and retain scientific talents. The international competition to spot, attract and retain academic talent is considerable. Strong academic environments, where all talents can come into play, are essential for the University’s ability to maintain and develop its position as one of Europe's leading universities. Therefore, the University wants to provide a diverse and inclusive working and study environment, where critical thinking and diversity go hand in hand.

Academic career development and equal treatment

As part of Strategy 2023, the University of Copenhagen has initiated a project on equal treatment in attracting, developing and retaining academic staff. The project will run in the period 2018-2020.

The project addresses unconscious bias in recruitment and working environment. In autumn 2019, eight departments and two faculties across the University will participate in a course on unconscious bias. Each participating department is to identify local challenges with equal treatment, describe development goals for the project period and prepare an action plan.

In spring 2020, the L80 council, which consists of the University’s rectorate, directors, deans, associate deans, faculty directors and heads of departments, will go through a diversity management programme.

The ‘Academic career development, equal treatment’ project is the first in a series of projects that are to ensure across staff groups, management and students that the University of Copenhagen will fulfil its ambition for balance, equal treatment and diversity – both for employees and for students.

As part of ‘Academic career development, equal treatment’, the action points from the previous action plan ‘Career, gender and quality – equal opportunities in research and management’ are carried over.

Read the action plan Career, gender and quality - equal opportunities in research and management (PDF)

Gender equality in management

In autumn 2019, the University of Copenhagen initiates a project that addresses gender equality in management. The aim is to ensure a gender balance across management levels at the University.

History

The University of Copenhagen has for the past 10 years had gender equality as a focus area. In 2018, this subject was given a higher priority by Strategy 2023 and by hiring an equality and diversity consultant responsible for equal treatment.

In 2008, the University Board adopted a five-year action plan to achieve greater diversity in research and management. Read the evaluation report of the action Plan (PDF) (in Danish only).

From 2015 to the end of 2018, the University’s gender equality efforts were specified in the action plan Career, gender and quality - equal opportunities in research and management (PDF) (in Danish only).

Career, Gender and Quality – equal opportunities in research and management was evaluated in 2017. Read the evaluation report (PDF) (in Danish only).

LGBTQIA+

Diversity is a core value at the University of Copenhagen. It is important to provide a good and safe working environment and place of study for all, regardless of gender, age, sexuality, gender identity, etc.

In spring 2019, a group of employees at the University started a network for LGBTQIA+. The network meets once a month and aims to help support the inclusive environment at the University of Copenhagen.

International networks and roundtables

The University of Copenhagen participates actively in the international efforts to promote gender equality and diversity in the university world.

Gender Diversity Roundtable

Rector Henrik C. Wegner is a member of the group Gender Diversity Roundtable, organised by the UN Women Nordic Office and the Boston Consulting Group. The group consists of 15 executives from the private and public sectors.

In spring 2019, the University of Copenhagen's Gender Diversity Roundtable signed a policy paper on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Read the policy paper from Gender Diversity Roundtable Denmark (PDF) (in Danish only).

IARU working group

The University participates in the working group 'Women and Men in Globalising Universities' under the IARU university alliance.

LERU working group

The University participates in the working group ‘Women and Men in Globalising Universities’ under the LERU university alliance.

Further information

Find information on gender distribution, etc. at the Danish and European universities via the links below:

SheFigures 2018 – published every three years by the EU Commission. The publication compares the 28 EU member states regarding gender in research and education
Men and women at Danish universities – the Danish talent barometer 2018 – published every two years by the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education (in Danish only) The publication compares the Danish universities regarding gender in research and education

Gender equality statements from the University of Copenhagen

Every two years, the University of Copenhagen completes a gender equality statement. The statement is statutory for government organisations and assesses the status of the different efforts to promote gender equality. You can find the statements here: