Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at VIB
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at VIB
Our mission
The grand challenges of our times can only be solved if we work together and where equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations and practices are integral to the research work, the collaboration in our centers, and across all our endeavors. We believe these values are integral to research excellence, innovation, and bringing therapeutic solutions to patients.
We are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and supports everyone in being successful, regardless of their gender identity, nationality, background, role, sexual orientation, or family situation. Recognizing and valuing the differences and unique perspectives of our employees allows us to create a more innovative institute.
Our dedication to diversity and inclusion goes beyond ensuring representation at all levels of the organization. To advance institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion, specific, measurable, and sustainable actions are being put in place to counter systemic barriers, explicit and unconscious biases, and inequities.
We focus on five priority areas:
- Gender equality: Through targeted interventions and initiatives, we are committed to further improving gender equality in our institute at all levels of the organization, be it in scientific research, technology, entrepreneurship, or support functions. Read more in our Gender Equality Plan.
- Disability and neurodiversity: We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive working environment that supports colleagues who are neurodivergent or have a visible or non-visible disability by better understanding the needs and existing barriers.
- LGBTQIA+: We will prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment and put in place specific initiatives to allow all members of the community to flourish, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Cultural and linguistic diversity: In our very international institute, we value the multitude of cultures and languages and recognize the importance of creating an environment that celebrates and supports this diversity.
- Age: With 4 different generations working in our institute, we recognize the differing needs and also the challenges of intergenerational communication and collaboration. We strive towards an environment where everyone is given equal opportunities to learn and grow.
Actions and initiatives:
- To ensure gender balance in our programs and activities, we have specific actions for maximizing the gender balance for invited speakers on the shortlist for our conferences and scientific talks program. We also aim to ensure gender balance in VIB-wide scientific talks, career talks, internal and external news, and other events.
- We are working on improving our recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure a better gender balance for leadership roles.
- We offer several training courses on an ongoing basis on creating safe and inclusive working environments, the active bystander approach, and inclusive leadership. View all our upcoming training
- In 2023, we hired a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer to lead the work on creating a more inclusive, diverse, and safe workplace.
- We have an active Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee that consists of representatives from the different centers. This committee acts as a DEI sounding board and advisory body, contributes to our policies, and co-organizes Diversity Week.
- In 2024, we are launching three employee resource groups. These VIB-supported, employee-run internal communities are crucial to sparking change in our organization’s culture and advancing our DEI efforts.
- Through internal communications efforts we are raising awareness about issues related to creating a more inclusive workplace and empowering our colleagues with information and tools.