The ALBA declaration includes a long list of actions that organizations can take to recognize and counteract biases, create a community based on allyship and advocacy and create a healthy work-life balance. The declaration aims to break down barriers to equitable representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly at advanced stages. 

As the Danish node of the Nordic EMBL Partnership, DANDRITE is dedicated to excellence in training across all stages of careers in the life sciences and fostering young talent. A significant aspect of this commitment is, without a doubt, the creation of a community and work environment conducive to realizing this ambition. Therefore, signing the declaration aligns closely with DANDRITE's general raison d'être, but Director Poul Henning Jensen also acknowledges that the work is not done solely with a signature:

"We acknowledge that this journey is a long one and that identifying and implementing concrete actions to address these challenges is an ongoing and dynamic process. However, through this action, we aim to demonstrate our support and commitment to implementing measures within our research community". 

Some of the actions that DANDRITE is working on include raising awareness of unconscious bias, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new employees, planning workshops on supervision and mentorship, hosting events on gender balance, and implementing transparent recruitment processes, to name a few.

748 individuals & 224 organisations have already endorsed the ALBA declaration. DANDRITE is the first research institution based in Denmark to sign the declaration, but Poul Henning Jensen stresses that this does not mean that Denmark does not support this agenda:

"Denmark and Danish universities are very progressive when it comes to raising awareness about this agenda. Being a broad international research centre, we also view this symbolic act as a way to show our international partners and colleagues that it's an agenda we're committed to," he concludes.  

About the ALBA Network:
The ALBA Network is a branch of FENS, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, and was founded in 2018. 
The goals of the network are to

• Share best practices to counteract bias
• Recognise outstanding contributions to science and diversity
• Provide networking and mentoring opportunities
• Support career development of  members of underrepresented groups.

The Network is supported by FENS, IBRO, SfN and sponsored by The Brain Prize. The ALBA Network is administered by FENS.