Society must make a substantial step forward in embracing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I). This is demanding because it requires meaningful cultural change within a single generation. It asks us to reflect on the values we have inherited from our environments and to align them with the values we aspire to uphold. Progress is not guaranteed: ED&I can be undermined during periods of crisis, such as war, displacement, and extreme poverty. Therefore, it must be actively protected and strengthened. Today, there is a strong impetus for change. This creates an opportunity to shape a new path and contribute to a fairer society that enables all individuals to thrive.

Embedding ED&I requires revisiting behaviours, systems, and everyday practices. Carefully, but with courage. At times, it may feel as though change has gone too far; however, a cross-generational perspective suggests that society still has far to go, in ways we may not yet imagine. We should therefore pursue progress now while also paving the way for sustained change across generations.

Fostering ED&I is a personal responsibility that grows with one’s influence. Within VOILAb, we aim to lead by example by affirming, protecting, and promoting ED&I. We do so by building a diverse team of world-class researchers and collaborators, ensuring equal opportunities for development, and cultivating an inclusive, empowering environment. Through our work, we seek to demonstrate the value of diversity, promote role models, challenge stereotypes, and inspire new generations to shape a fairer society for all.