Diverse perspectives are essential for enriching research and advancing knowledge, yet gender and other biases persist in cultural heritage, digital technology, and academic institutions. This lecture series, consisting of online twin lectures and an on-site workshop in Tallinn, delves into the complexities of gender and diversity within the realm of digital cultural heritage and academia, and identifies best practices for addressing these issues when building academic structures. By exploring different academic cultures, this series aims to provide actionable advice on increasing sensitivity, understanding, and knowledge about gender (in)equality.

More information about the speakers, programme and web links will follow in due course.

Twin Lecture 1: Gender, Intersectionality and Cultural Heritage Data

Cultural heritage data reflects the viewpoints of its creators. Historically, a white, straight, male perspective has therefore been emphasized. When digitising collections, the risk exists of perpetuating these biases. This twin lecture delves into the distorted and imbalanced views—such as misrepresentation or lack of representation across gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and language—often embedded in cultural heritage data. Join us in seeking successful examples of addressing these issues in ways that are sensitive to both diversity and historical context.

Location: online
Date: Friday March 28, 2025

Twin Lecture 2: Gender, Intersectionality and Inclusion in Academia

This session explores academic institutions as learning and research environments, focusing on their career development opportunities and administrative structures from the perspectives of gender and intersectionality. We will examine the factors that hinder career advancement for women and other marginalised groups and discuss best practices and actionable strategies to improve the inclusion of diverse perspectives within academic institutions.

Location: online
Date: Friday October 24, 2025

Practices and Structure: How to Build an Academic Hub that Embraces Diversity?

During this one-day on-site workshop, we focus on the challenges and best practices of building inclusive academic institutions.

Location: Tallinn University, Estonia
Date: Wednesday September 9, 2026