Introduction
of the new Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
08. June
2026
With the start of Pride Month, the new team of the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
— the DEI-Office for short — under the leadership of Gerhild Steinbuch (Vice-Rector for Cooperative Disciplinarity, Engagement
and Innovation) introduces itself. As a team, they work toward shaping the Angewandte in a future-ready way that keeps its
doors open to as many people as possible.
Since March, they have been connecting their different
areas of focus: Iketina Danso brings her expertise in anti-racism and diversity; Doris Löffler
is responsible for implementing gender mainstreaming and equality agendas; Veronika Merklein is the Accessibility
Officer and Officer for Students with Disabilities; Julia Sprenger will be primarily responsible for outreach
and education.
Over the past months, quite a lot has already happened: the department has contributed to the development
plan on the topics of Care and Excellence, is planning the lecture series Art – Research – Gender and the STIR Lectures, is
developing ideas for further training, working on the Code of Conduct, and has initiated an organisational development process
on gender diversity.
The DEI-Office is available to all members of the university — students, administrative staff,
artistic and scientific personnel. The team is happy to advise, support, and develop formats and projects together.
From July, following a small renovation, the DEI-Office will be moving into their new premises at Salzgries (2nd floor).
Everyone is warmly welcome!
CURRENT EVENTS
19th of June, 2026 – 11 am: Following
a petition against transphobia at Angewandte DEI together with hufak and Gerhild Steinbuch would like to invite you to a brunch
at the Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz courtyard to listen and hear what you would need from Angewandte and to let you know about the
steps already in process towards a more trans inclusive environment.
4th of July 2026: Lunch Lecture with Persson
Perry Baumgartinger as part of the Angewandte Festival on gender diversity at the Angewandte at Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz.
