Gender and Ethnic disparities persist in Dutch Academia

New research utilising evidence from NARCIS, an online database of Dutch scientific publications, reveals a disproportionate number of women and ethnic minorities in influential academic positions and among PhD candidates, compared to their white male counterparts. This imbalance persists despite efforts such as mandatory gender equality plans for EU funding, gender quotas in universities, and the inclusion of diversity offices. The underrepresentation negatively impacts academia and students by limiting diverse perspectives, stagnating curricula, and diminishing the inspirational and educational experiences of students. The study concludes that efforts to increase diversity in Dutch academia have not yet been successful, and achieving gender and ethnic parity is not just a matter of time. This issue concerns both the Dutch public and Civil Society organisations equally. Gender Concerns International, supports proportional representation and the integration of minorities into academic positions and national bodies.