Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central priorities for ML4Q and all participating institutions, alongside our commitment to excellent research. While implementing specific measures is crucial, it is equally important to raise awareness that our reality—despite being progressive and globalized—is still marked by prejudices, stereotypes, and inequalities. Members of historically marginalized groups, in particular, continue to face more difficult access to resources.

On the first Thursday of every month, also known as “Trivia Thursday,” a new term from the EDI cosmos is briefly and clearly explained in Diversity 101. The goal is not only to clarify the most important terms and abbreviations but also to encourage reflection on one’s own—possibly very privileged—life circumstances. This initiative aims to question existing mechanisms and structures and foster exchanges beyond potential boundaries.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are integral to our everyday lives as members and associated members of ML4Q. These principles intersect with every aspect of the cluster, creating a space where diverse individuals come together to perform excellent research. EDI is not incidental in ML4Q; it is directly and naturally integrated into the cluster’s daily activities. For example, contributions such as those for International Women’s Day are prominently featured on our website, newsletters on selected topics are sent to all members and associated members, and diversity was highlighted alongside cluster-relevant presentations in a dedicated scientific talk at the ML4Q Conference 2023. Additionally, ML4Q actively participates in projects that promote the visibility of women and non-binary in research and initiatives that encourage girls to pursue physics.

In the EDI cosmos, there are numerous useful tools, resources, and opportunities to reflect on oneself and one’s life situation. Here, you will find a continuously expanding collection of useful links.

Inclusive Language:

University of Cologne: Inclusive Language Guidelines
University of Bonn: Empfehlungen zur Umsetzung einer geschlechtergerechten Sprache
RWTH Aachen: Geschlechtergerechte Sprache
Forschungszentrum Jülich: Gender Sensitive Language
Gender Decoder

Harvard Implicit Association Test

In addition to events organised by partner universities/institutions, which ML4Q promotes, the cluster is establishing a new event format: Inside academia.