How do gender structures affect career paths, work environments, and research in academia? And what can we concretely do to create a more inclusive and just research environment?
PhD candidates and staff at USN are now invited to participate in the online course Female Empowerment in Academia.
This is a flexible and academically solid offer for anyone wishing to increase their competence on gender inequality in academia.
Practical information
Format: Online, asynchronous and self-paced
Open: 15 February to 15 June 2026
Extent: Approximately 25 working hours
Registration: EDUC Course Catalogue (educalliance.eu)
Course structure
The course is divided into three thematic modules:
- Structural inequalities in academia
- Gender-based violence and harassment in academic environments
- Gender-sensitive methods in research
Each module consists of several subtopics in the form of video lectures, supplemented with digital activities and course materials. Participants follow a recommended thematic sequence but can adapt their progression to their own workday.
The teaching is developed and implemented by an international academic environment with experts in gender and academia. The course ends with an evaluation, and all who complete it will receive a certificate.
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for academics and researchers at all career stages and across disciplines.
It may be especially relevant for:
- engaged university staff
- early career researchers
- PhD candidates across disciplines and faculties
What will you learn?
The course provides insight into key mechanisms affecting gender balance and inclusion in academia, going beyond simply “ticking boxes” on gender perspectives in projects.
After completing the course, you will:
- have better understanding of how gender structures are embedded in academia and the research system
- be more aware and sensitive towards vulnerable groups
- know good international examples of equality work
- have strengthened competence in gender-aware research
- have developed tools to contribute to the empowerment of women in academia