Diversity & inclusion

At AMOLF, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to excellent science and to a healthy research environment. People with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives approach scientific questions in different ways, challenge assumptions, and help us see our work from new angles. Learning from one another in this way strengthens both our scientific work and our community at AMOLF.

We value diversity in all its forms, including differences in cultural, ethnic, and religious background, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, health, age, and career stage. An inclusive environment allows these differences to contribute meaningfully to our work.

Our goal is to provide a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected, and where people feel invited to contribute ideas and share their perspectives.

Our efforts include:

• Promoting awareness through dialogues, training, and awareness programs about diversity, inclusion, and social safety
• Running a Inclusion and Diversity group
• Supporting fair opportunities and transparent policies for recruitment, evaluation and career development, for both researchers and support staff
• Actively supporting gender equality, including through targeted recruitment and career development initiatives, such as the NWO Women in Science Excel (WISE) program

Different forms of diversity

AMOLF began its focused efforts on gender diversity in 2018, with particular attention to increasing gender balance in scientific leadership positions. These efforts have contributed to an increase in the number of female tenure-track group leaders.  At the same time, AMOLF has sought to promote gender equality across the organization, including among researchers at different career stages and within support and technical staff. Gender equality will continue to be a key priority at AMOLF in the coming years.

Beyond gender diversity, AMOLF is committed to strengthening inclusion and diversity across the organization more broadly. As a part of these ongoing efforts, the Inclusion and Diversity (ID) team was formed in 2022 and developed a roadmap for the period 2022–2026.  This plan outlines concrete actions including inclusive recruitment practices, improved onboarding and buddy systems for new staff, training on unconscious bias and social safety, and regular diversity awareness events. Together, these measures aim to foster a socially safe and inclusive working culture for employees at all career stages and in all roles at AMOLF.

Shared commitment

AMOLF is part of NWO-I (the institutes organization of NWO – the Dutch Research Council). NWO-I is committed to social safety, sustainability, and a healthy (research) culture. These values are increasingly under pressure worldwide. NWO-I’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality, sustainability, and social safety remains as strong as ever. These values are an integral part of the strategy and ways of working. This applies to both NWO itself and to all its institutes, including AMOLF.

AMOLF actively contributes to this shared commitment and works to ensure that diversity, inclusion, equality, and social safety are embedded in everyday practice.

Further reading

• AMOLF Diversity & Inclusion Plan 2022-2026
• NWO-I Diversity & Inclusion resources – links to the broader diversity & inclusion plan and policies of NWO-I
• NWO-I interview with AMOLF group leader Said Rodriguez sharing his personal experiences and perspectives on ethnic diversity
• AMOLF wins NNV Diversity Award 2022 — news item about receiving the NNV Diversity Award for excellence in equality, diversity and inclusion

Contact

If you have any questions about our policy, please contact our program office.