IDEA Center launches book ‘Turning DEI Goals into Reality’ at UNIC Conference in Malmö

The book is the English version of the (Dutch) book ‘Van woorden naar daden - een gids voor een inclusieve organisatie’, which was published by Koninklijke Boom Uitgevers. In the book, the authors share their knowledge of and experiences with an integrated approach that can help transform an organisation into a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible, and ultimately a more enjoyable organisation for all.

Prof. Annelien Bredenoord, President of the Executive Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam and Chair of UNIC: "Erasmus University Rotterdam has built an impressive IDEA Center in recent years. One of the success factors is the truly integrated approach, as it deals with all elemental parts of an institution, such as education, research, engagement, HR, outreach, communication. I am really proud of the IDEA Center team and this beautiful book, that fits perfectly with the goals of UNIC!"

Prof. Semiha Denktaş, author: "We have translated our experiences and knowledge at our university to make this book practical and applicable for various organisations, to be able to inspire as many people as possible. We are really proud to share the English version of this book, published by Routledge, following the publication of the Dutch version, published by Koninklijke Boom Uitgevers earlier. With this English version of our book, we want to reach even more people who are working on and who are interested in inclusion, diversity, equity & access."

About the book

With the book, the authors aim to inspire employers, employees and organisations in an accessible way. The book offers practical tools for designing, implementing and evaluating new or existing interventions and policies in the area of inclusion, diversity, equity & access.

Featured are key terms and definitions, drivers and accelerators of increased attention to inclusion, diversity, equity & access, and topics such as connection and engagement, inclusive organisational culture and inclusive communication, inclusive HR policies, monitoring and research, and inclusive leadership. The book is written by prof. dr. Semiha Denktaş, dr. Gwen de Bruin, Joris van den Ring-Bax MSc, dr. Helen Tibboel, dr. Katarina Putnik, prof. dr. Rutger Engels, dr. Anne Wijtzes, Jacqueline Onyenze, MA, BSc, and dr. Yumna Asaf.

More about the book: https://www.routledge.com/Turning-DEI-Goals-into-Reality-A-Hands-On-Guide-to-an-Inclusive-Workplace/Denktas-deBruin-vandenRing-Bax/p/book/9781032892627

More about the Dutch version of the book: https://www.donner.nl/producten/van-woorden-naar-daden-een-gids-voor-een-inclusieve-organisatie-9789462128095/

About UNIC and the Thematic Conference in Malmö

UNIC is a European University alliance of ten universities based in post-industrial cities with a mission to boost mobility and inclusion for societal impact. 

The first UNIC Thematic Conference takes place from 7-9 May 2025 at Malmö University. In an era marked by rapid urbanization and the pressing need for sustainable development, cities face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The UNIC Thematic Conference aims to address these critical issues by fostering multidisciplinary dialogue and innovation. 

Drawing on contemporary interdisciplinary scholarship and engaged research, the conference explores sustainability and urban resilience within post industrial settings. The event brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, develop collaborative solutions, build bridges between research and innovative education and chart pathways toward more resilient and sustainable urban futures.