Upcoming ENHANCE Lunchinars
Bite-Sized Learning on Diversity for All
The ENHANCE Diversity Office is excited to introduce Lunchinars—a series of engaging, bite-sized learning sessions on diversity and inclusion. These free, one-hour online sessions are designed for everyone—whether you’re a student, staff member, or lifelong learner. Each Lunchinar takes place from 12:00 to 1:00 PM CET and offers an opportunity to expand perspectives, challenge biases, and foster public debate on key issues in academia and beyond.
Why Join an ENHANCE Lunchinar?
Diversity affects all of us, often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. These sessions are designed to be accessible, thought-provoking, and insightful, especially for those who might not think this topic applies to them. A fresh perspective can open doors to new ways of thinking and engaging with the world.
Topics That Matter
Each Lunchinar covers pressing diversity-related issues in academia and beyond. Our sessions are shaped by expert insights and audience engagement. If there’s a particular topic you’d like to see covered, we welcome suggestions!
Engaging & Interactive Formats
Our sessions are designed for maximum engagement. Each Lunchinar consists of 30–45 minutes of expert input through webinars, interviews, or panel discussions, followed by an open discussion with participants.
Practical Takeaways
Participants don’t just gain knowledge—they leave with practical tools and resources such as worksheets, checklists, and key takeaways to apply in their academic and professional environments.
“ I liked the Lunchinar a lot, especially the way showed how research was often misused to create and legitimate ‘biological human races’ and social orders.“.
– Participant, ENHANCE Lunchinar on Racism
Upcoming Sessions
Understanding Neurodiversity
📅 Date: 17 November 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
🎤 Speakers:
- Dr. Łukasz Sienkiewicz (Politechnika Gdańska)
- María Alfonso Molina (Universitat Politècnica de València – UPV)
Learn what makes organisations neurodiversity-inclusive and why neuro-inclusion matters for both academic and professional environments.
Understanding and Ending Gender-Based Violence in Academia
📅 Date: 12 December 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
🎤 Speakers:
- Silvia Barattieri (Politecnico di Milano, Equal Opportunities Unit)
- Valeria Baudo (Politecnico di Milano, Equal Opportunities Unit)
Explore the root causes of gender-based violence in academia and discover how we can all help create safer, more equitable academic spaces.
How to Register
Explore the diversity of topics covered in our Lunchinars and sign up today!
We encourage staff and students with little or no experience in international mobility programs to participate.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, broaden your horizons, and be part of the conversation on diversity and inclusion
📩 Contact:
Melih Özkardeş – Head of ENHANCE Diversity Office
✉️ melih.oezkardes@enhanceuniversity.eu
Past Sessions
How to Counter Arguments Against Diversity
📅 Date: 9 May 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
🎤 Speakers:
- Dr. Claudia Werker (Associate Professor, TU Delft)
- Emelie Meurk Demerud (Chalmers Alumni, Entrepreneur, Leader & Growth Hacker, Founder of deb.)
This interactive session invited participants to reflect on how to understand resistance to diversity and build an evidence-based narrative for inclusion,while effectively countering objections and advocating for diversity within your organisation and beyond.
Interactive Webinar on IT Accessibility
📅 Date: 15 May 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
🎤 Speakers:
- David Sichau (ENHANCE Work Package Lead IT Infrastructure, ETH Zürich)
- Jacqueline Kubitschek (RWTH, IT Strategy & IT Management)
- Nima Hakimi (NTNU & RWTH Alumni, Frontend Developer)
Review this insightful discussion on why IT accessibility matters and how we can create more inclusive digital experiences.
The first edition of ENHANCE Lunchinars, held on March 20, 2025, was a resounding success! Featuring Associate Professor Alexander Gamst Page (NTNU), the session provided key insights into racism in academia and society, just ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Participants explored historical contexts, challenges, and strategies for fostering anti-racist practices.
🎬 Missed our Lunchinar on Racism? Watch it now! Full recording available on our YouTube channel. 📺