Diversity, equity, and inclusion at the IEM CAS
At the IEM CAS, we believe that high-quality science can only flourish in an environment where people feel safe, respected, and have equal opportunities. That is why, in October 2025, we established the position of DEI Specialist, to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in our work environment. The aim is to systematically nurture the institution’s culture and strengthen equal opportunities for all employees.
This role at the IEM CAS is now held by Eva Oliva – an anthropologist and doctoral student in sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University. Eva has long been involved in gender equality issues, addressing inappropriate behaviour, and supporting institutional and cultural change in the academic environment. She previously worked as a gender equality expert at the NKC – Gender and Science (open in a new window) at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and collaborated on the CZERA (open in a new window), GenderSAFE (open in a new window), and KULTIMED (open in a new window) projects. She also completed a research internship at Sciences Po in Paris, an international, selective research university based on the values of openness and excellence, and accredited courses in Crisis Intervention (FOKUS) and Communication with Traumatised Persons (proFEM).
During her career, she has conducted more than 70 training sessions, courses, lectures, and consultations focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion. She has been a member or external collaborator of several expert working groups, e.g., at the Head Office of the Government of the Czech Republic (Department of Gender Equality) and the Head Office of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Group for Addressing Gender-Based Violence).
Why was the position created?
The creation of the DEI Specialist position is based on the conviction of the management of the IEM CAS that high-quality science can only be produced where people feel respected, supported, and have opportunities for professional and personal development. The equality agenda contributes to creating an open and fair environment that gives everyone equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, nationality, health status, employment status, or caregiving responsibilities.
The position also follows the requirements of the European Commission for participation in the Horizon Europe programme and other grant agencies that support the implementation of gender equality plans (GEP). The purpose of GEPs is to raise awareness, map the state of the workplace, propose measures of change, implement these measures, and evaluate them in terms of their effectiveness and contribution to positive changes for employees, specifically in five thematic areas:
- work-life balance,
- (gender) equality in management,
- (gender) equality in recruitment and career advancement,
- gender dimension in research content,
- measures against bullying, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
The following activities will take place within this agenda between October 2025 and October 2026:
- Gender audit – assessment of the current state of equality and discrimination at the IEM CAS, based on a questionnaire survey, focus groups, and interviews.
- Data analysis and creation of a GEP – defining goals and measures according to the actual needs of employees.
- Implementation and evaluation of measures – monitoring the effectiveness of the changes introduced.
- Education and counselling – offering training and the possibility to contact a dedicated person with a guarantee of professional support and confidentiality.
The goal is not only to meet formal requirements, but above all to create a fair, safe, and respectful environment that allows every team member to participate fully in the research and development of the institution.
