IIASA at the 2nd Gender Equality, Diversity and Sustainability in Higher Education Conference

The 2nd Gender Equality, Diversity and Sustainability in Higher Education Conference will bring together academics, researchers, higher education professionals, institutional leaders, policymakers, funding bodies, accreditation and ranking specialists, and practitioners working on diversity and inclusion. It will include perspectives from business, accounting, finance, economics, management, education, social sciences, law, and STEMM disciplines. 

Under the title Advancing Gender Equality in International Research Organizations: Lessons from the IIASA Gender Equality Report 2023–2025, Lijadi will draw on findings from the institution report to examine how international research organizations can use evidence-based approaches to advance gender equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion while strengthening scientific excellence. 

Science is essential for addressing global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, energy transitions, food security, and population change. Effectively addressing these complex issues requires research institutions to attract, retain, and support diverse talent. 

The IIASA Gender Equality Report 2023–2025 highlights both progress and continuing challenges at the Institute, which employs 470 staff members representing 61 nationalities. A central feature of IIASA’s approach is its focus on systemic change rather than individual outcomes alone. The report examines representation, recruitment, career progression, leadership, work-life balance, pay equity, and the integration of gender perspectives into research activities. 

Regular monitoring enables IIASA to identify gaps, assess progress, and implement targeted interventions. For example, the report identified a relatively small overall gender pay gap of 2.5%, demonstrating the value of data-driven monitoring and ongoing policy adjustments. 

In her presentation, Lijadi will outline practical measures to advance gender equality and inclusion, including strengthening gender-disaggregated data collection, developing more inclusive recruitment processes, expanding awareness-raising and training initiatives, supporting consultation through the internal Forum for Gender Equality and Inclusion, and increasing institutional accountability through annual reporting. 

The lessons from IIASA offer a valuable model for universities, research institutes, policymakers, and funding organizations seeking to create more equitable and inclusive research environments. Advancing gender equality is not only a matter of fairness; it is also an investment in scientific innovation, organizational effectiveness, and the ability of research institutions to address global challenges.