How do we create a research environment where everyone feels included, valued, and has equal opportunities to succeed? The FRONT project at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MN) at the University of Oslo addresses this very question. With intersectionality as a core perspective, the project is built on research, leadership anchoring, and organizational development to achieve lasting cultural change in academia.
FRONT has already completed two project periods focusing on gender balance and equality. In the current period, the perspective is expanded to include diversity more broadly, with particular attention to researchers – a group often employed in temporary positions and representing a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, and experiences. To ensure that efforts related to diversity, equality, and inclusion have lasting impact, they are closely linked to the faculty’s leadership structure and integrated into regular work with organizational development.
One goal – four work packages
The project is structured into four work packages that together aim to foster an inclusive culture:
1.Knowledge gathering
A comprehensive survey targeting researchers and postdoctoral fellows has been conducted, along with qualitative data collection through individual interviews and participatory observations. This provides a broad and nuanced picture of researchers’ everyday work life and forms a solid foundation for further measures.
2.Inclusive leadership
FRONT organizes leadership full day workshops focused on inclusive leadership, culture, and organizational development. The first workshop, with nearly 100 leaders, has already taken place, and the next is scheduled for November 2025. These workshops provide leaders with tools and updated insights to promote a safe and inclusive work environment.
3.Career development
Based on insights from work package 1, measures have been developed to respond to researchers’ own needs and wishes. Several seminars and activities have been held, focusing on career health, strategic career planning, grant writing, and project management. Career contacts have been established at all units, and individual career guidance is offered. The goal is to strengthen researchers’ awareness of their own career opportunities – both within and beyond academia.
4.Knowledge sharing
FRONT is presented locally, nationally, and internationally – at conferences and in research networks. Collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden provides valuable exchange of experience and an international perspective. In addition, FRONT collaborates with KIMU – a national project focused on diversity leadership in the university and college sector, which serves as a strong example of effective knowledge sharing. FRONT contributes to the KIMU initiative by providing project management, insights, and experience. This connection enhances the national impact of the work carried out at the MN Faculty.
From knowledge to change
FRONT combines research and practice and is closely integrated into the regular organizational structure, with broad support from the leadership at the faculty. The project has contributed to increased awareness around diversity and inclusion, and there are signs of positive developments in work environment and career development. There is still work to be done, and the project will continue to develop measures and share knowledge to support an inclusive academic culture.
Through long-term cultural efforts and active knowledge sharing, FRONT contributes to building a more inclusive academic sector. The goal is for diversity and equality not only to be ideals, but an integrated part of everyday life for all employees.
FRONT har som langsiktig mål å bygge en inkluderende kultur i forskningsmiljøene der potensialet og verdien av mangfold og kjønnsbalanse verdsettes og nyttiggjøres. Prosjektet bygger på et omfattende kunnskapsgrunnlag om likestilling og kjønnsbalanse i egen organisasjon (FRONT 2015-2023), og utvider fokus gjennom et interseksjonelt perspektiv på skjæringspunktet mellom kjønn og etnisitet blant ansatte i prosjektbaserte forskerstillinger. Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet (MN) ved Universitetet i Oslo (UiO) er en av UH-sektorens største arbeidsgivere for prosjektfinansierte forskere (per november 2023: 187). De utgjør en gruppe med stort mangfold av etnisitet, alder og sosial klassebakgrunn, som rapporterer om flere utfordringer i arbeidshverdagen enn andre ansatte.
Prosjektet vil innhente kunnskap om arbeidsmiljø og karrieremuligheter blant forskerne som grunnlag for spissede karriereutviklingstiltak. Ambisjonen er at forskerne oppnår en selvdrevet strategisk tilnærming til egen karriereplanlegging både innenfor og utenfor det akademiske feltet. Ved helhetlig kompetansebygging innen mangfoldsledelse i bredden av fakultetet og nedover i organisasjonen styrker fakultetet grunnlaget for det systematiske og strategisk rettede mangfoldsarbeidet. Ved kunnskapsdeling i organisasjonen og eksternt vil prosjektet bidra med forskningsfunn og erfaringer som har stor overføringsverdi innen UH-sektoren og mulig andre sektorer (inkludert helse- og instituttsektoren). Deltakelse i BalanseHub vil tilby FRONT en arena for kunnskapsutveksling innenfor et viktig og utfordrende område som angår hele UH-sektoren.
Styrken i FRONT ligger i den kontinuerlige koblingen mellom forskning og tiltak, forankring i egen organisasjon og ledelse, og det langsiktige perspektivet med mål om varig kulturendring. Det store antallet forskere ved fakultetet gir mulighet for innhenting av et godt datagrunnlag.
