PhD Impact
The PhD IMPACT project is an independent initiative from different branches of KTH staff (HR, professors and PhD students). Our goal is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, creating safe spaces for open dialogues about gender-related matters.
Our Vision
We believe in promoting awareness and knowledge to drive meaningful change and empower every individual. The idea is to amplify the conversation – so that it is heard by all – and boost equality.We envision a campus where diversity thrives, and equality is a cornerstone. We recognize the need for a cultural shift, and act on that by fostering knowledge sharing and dialogue for individuals of all genders. Our vision is to create a harmonious community where everyone feels valued and heard.
Values we stand by
Equality: Advocate for fairness and equality in all career levels and tracks at KTH.
Inclusivity: Embrace diversity and celebrate the richness it brings to our community.
Education: Promote continuous learning and awareness to break down barriers.
Support: Provide a supportive network for everyone to thrive.
Upcoming workshops 2025
Previous workshops 2025
April: The Coaching in Science Initiative
The Coaching in Science Initiative is a grassroots initiative at Scilife lab at KTH and they gave us a workshop about Psychological safety. Psycological safety is essential for a thriving academic environment, enhancing collaboration, innovation, and research excellence. This workshop explored what psychological safety means in academia – how it supports an open environment, risk-taking, and a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. We examined its role in inclusion, constructive feedback, critical thinking, and the stages of building a supportive academic community. We highlighted practical strategies for cultivating trust, encouraging diverse perspectives, and promoting individual and collective growth in research groups and institutions.
March: Who do we want to hire? Gendered wording in job ads
This workshop was led by researcher Ingrid Johansson and explored a possible contributing factor to the gender imbalance in STEM academia by looking at gendered wording in job ads. The gender imbalance among teachers and researchers at KTH were discussed based on research showing that wording associated with masculine stereotypes is more present in job ads in male-dominated areas than in female-dominated areas, and that women find jobs with more masculine wording less appealing.
The participants also engaged in using a simple "Gender Decoder" online tool to explore gendered wording in KTH job ads and other texts of interest and discuss how job ads can be better worded to appeal to a more diverse applicant pool.
February: integration of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in master's programmes at the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI)
On this encounter, Associate professor Gunnar Tibert at KTH introduced us to the integration of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in master's programmes at the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI) through intersectional design. In the first half, participants reflected on past efforts to weave these values into services and products connected to specific fields within SCI.
In the second half, participants engaged with Intersectional Design cards to co-create a product or service that fosters inclusive learning activities, examining how gender equality, diversity, and inclusion can be seamlessly integrated into subject-specific curricula.
January: Power Dynamics in Research
This dynamic workshop was held by Associate Professor in Computer Science Amir H. Payberah. It explored the power dynamics in academic and research spaces, examined how power is exercised and maintained. It critiqued issues such as hierarchical structures and traditional success metrics, often rooted in patriarchal norms, and addressed their impact on academic relationships and research practices. Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Paulo Freire and bell hooks, the workshop proposed alternative frameworks and practical strategies to challenge power structures in academia and foster a more inclusive and equitable research environment.
Workshops during 2024
November: Good work environment for LGBTQI-people
An insightful workshop led by Andrea Eriksson (Professor at KTH), one of the authors of the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise's new research-based guide, "Good Work Environment for LGBTQI People." We explored the guide's content, covering key concepts such as preventing discrimination, fostering inclusivity, and supporting diverse work teams. Also practical exercises and reflections on how the guide can be applied. A valuable opportunity for PhD students interested in promoting inclusive and supportive work environments.
October: The Teflon test
An interactive workshop held by Assistant Professor Fred Penha and Sara Leoni (HR) from KTH.
The workshop focused on norms and privilege by using the method The Teflon Test. We explored how privilege and oppression can vary depending on our contexts and roles. How can we use this knowledge to create safer spaces where more people feel included?
September: Norms, power, and encouragement
Learn more about how harassment, discrimination, and victimization are shaped in relation to norms and power. How do you act when you or someone else is exposed to different kinds of harassment? The workshop mixed lectures with discussions and exercises. The workshop was held by Renita Sörensdotter, associate professor in gender studies and consultant in organizational development.
August: Empowering PhDs in Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
KTH:s policies regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimization. With more knowledge about gender inequalities in the world and KTH and information about your rights as an employee at KTH:s we can take steps towards a brighter future.
May: Inclusive language in Academia
On this encounter we invited Jane Bottomley and Susanna Lyne Lecturer in English and Swedish in communication and professional writing courses. They are co-authors of the KTH Guide to Scientific Writing in English. Inclusive language aims to be fair and unprejudiced. Inclusivity is about not expressing bias on the basis of characteristics such as gender, culture, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age or religion.
March: Gender inequalities in academic daily life
Information about how inequalities affects the personal life and the research outcome for a person not following the norm as a male person at KTH. What are the consequences for a PhD student that women's experiences and life are regarded less important than the male experience in the world as a whole? Learn about KTH:s policies regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimization. With more knowledge about gender inequalities in the world and KTH and information about your rights as an employee at KTH:s we can take steps towards a brighter future.
January: How to reduce inequalities in everyday life as a PhD
This crucial conversation will delve into recognizing discrimination and patterns of bias, how to react towards them, and most importantly, how to minimize them. We start with a seminar by Roh Petas (KTH Equality Office) followed by mediated discussions.
The PhD Impact team
Kontakta oss på phdimpact@kth.se