Diversity and inclusion: New findings from the Bielefeld conference!

Diversity and inclusion: New findings from the Bielefeld conference!

A research team from Bielefeld University has examined inclusion and equity in the implementation of scientific events. This study, which was completed today, October 6, 2025, took place as part of the “Behavior 2023” conference and was organized by over 25 researchers and students from the Faculty of Biology. The results were published in the journal Ecology & Evolution and provide valuable insights into how conferences should be designed to be more inclusive.

More than 1,300 questions were analyzed during the discussion sessions. Together with over 300 participants who took part in an accompanying survey, a detailed picture of the representation of different groups was drawn. One of the key findings was that women were less likely to ask questions, not because they were passed over, but because they were less inclined to come forward. The assumption that moderators could specifically call on women was also not confirmed.

Hurdles for certain groups

Additional hurdles were identified for non-binary people and participants from the Global South. In particular, people who felt less confident in their English skills or professional skills described their experiences more negatively. This shows that small measures can have a big impact. Clear behavioral guidelines or free childcare were cited as simple but effective ways to promote inclusion.

The conference not only focused on biological topics, but also took an interdisciplinary approach by incorporating elements of the social sciences into the programs. The support of the university's Equal Opportunities Commission and the Department of Behavioral Ecology was crucial to achieving these goals. The team's recommendations aim to make conferences more diverse and equitable not only within biology, but also in other disciplines.

Recommendations for the events industry

The study is in line with the demands that are becoming increasingly louder in the event scene. The importance of diversity and inclusion (DEI) has entered the global social agenda and professional environments. Loud Congrex Inclusive cultures must be actively promoted in event planning teams. Team diversity requires inclusive hiring practices and ongoing training. The feedback process from a diverse workforce is an essential part of optimizing event formats.

Accessibility plays a crucial role in event planning. Compliance with EU digital accessibility guidelines is considered a key point to ensure an inclusive experience. This includes designing event websites and apps that appeal to all users. Finally, registration processes should be designed to not exclude any groups, including taking dietary needs and pronouns into account.

A look at the industry

The need to improve diversity and inclusion was also highlighted by the industry association's 2025 Diversity Report fwd: Federal Association of the Event Industry confirmed. This shows that serious progress has been made, but gaps remain. The industry falls short of its potential, especially when it comes to diversity aspects such as disability and sexual identity. Despite increasing awareness, the inclusion aspect is often underrepresented.

Large companies are more sensitive to thematic concerns, while smaller companies often miss strategic goals to promote DEI. Customers’ expectations regarding diversity, particularly regarding gender-neutral communication and accessibility, continue to rise. However, according to the study, implementation of practical inclusion measures falls short of expectations and only about half of companies have a clear DEI objective.

In summary, it can be said that the study by Bielefeld University provides valuable insights that point to the need to actively shape inclusion and diversity in the event industry. The challenges are diverse, but the solutions can be implemented, if necessary with simple, targeted measures.