On June 5, as part of TUM’s Diversity Month 2025, TUM-IAS Fellow Prof. Ronit Kark and the Chair of Research and Science Management hosted the international workshop “Allyship in Action: Building Inclusive Workplaces” at the TUM School of Management.
The event brought together international experts and DEI advocates to share research insights, explore practical strategies, and engage in dialogue on fostering inclusive workplaces through allyship. Prof. Ronit Kark provided an inspiring keynote and facilitated discussions drawing on her work within the TUM-IAS Focus Group “He for She: Understanding Men’s Allyship to Promote Gender Equality.” Prof. David Smith (Johns Hopkins Carey Business School) contributed further insights in his keynote on effective allyship strategies, emphasizing the role of men in advancing DEI efforts. The workshop also featured interactive sessions led by Eugenia Bajet Mestre (University of St. Gallen) and Dr. Mihwa Seong (King’s College London), who guided participants through exercises and discussions on personal allyship experiences and research-based practices.
A highlight from within TUM was the presentation of the Agnes Mackensen Program by Dr. Amélie Haag, showcasing an example of institutional allyship through structured mentoring and support in (STEM) academia.
We would like to thank all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions to the workshop. The workshop demonstrated how allyship can take many forms and underscored the importance of collaborative, evidence-based approaches to building inclusive academic and professional environments. We look forward to continuing the conversation and deepening international collaboration on this important topic.