Leiden University is at the forefront of the DiGiN project as the research partner, bringing academic rigour and scientific insights to enhance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategies across participating municipalities. Their involvement underscores the role of research in validating and advancing DEI initiatives.
The DiGiN project provides Leiden University with a unique opportunity to support municipal partners through targeted research and evaluation.
“Our goal is to complement the DEI efforts of municipalities by providing data-driven insights and assessing the effectiveness of various interventions” explains Dina Zbeidy from Leiden’s research team.
Leiden’s researchers are dedicated to developing methodologies that can effectively measure the impact of DEI interventions within diverse and varied contexts. This involves a deep dive into how different municipal settings influence the success and challenges of implementing DEI strategies. The research aims to produce a comprehensive evaluation tool by the end of the project, which will not only benefit DiGiN partners but also serve as a resource for other organisations.
This project is particularly exciting for Leiden as it allows their researchers to expand their own knowledge and expertise.
“By closely following and interacting with the municipalities, our team is gaining insights into the practical aspects of DEI, which enriches our academic understanding and contributes to broader societal impact” Zbeidy adds.
Leiden University’s involvement in the DiGiN project is a testament to the combination of academic research with practical applications. Their work promises to elevate the effectiveness of DEI initiatives, offering tools and insights that can transform municipal governance.
