Each scientific, pierced and innovation discovery that we celebrate has been shaped by brilliant minds. However, the spirits with more opportunities to shine were mainly men. While women represent 48% of doctoral students in the EU, they represent only a third of the total number of researchers in Europe. According to the UN, researchers tend to be shorterLess well paid careers.
Although progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in many areas, in higher university and decision-making positions. These disparities are motivated by challenges such as unconscious biases, lack of mentoring and limited access to resources – obstacles that continue to hinder the full participation of women in research and innovation.
International Women and Girls Day in Science on February 11 is both a celebration and a call for action to inspire young girls and women around the world, to ignite their curiosity and their creativity – and to think about The best way to support their scientific aspirations.
The European Commission is committed to maintaining gender equality – one of the fundamental EU values. Read how the Commission supports equality with certain key actions in research and innovation.
Gender equality
Gender equality is a priority in the European research zone (ERA) with actions focused on conducting institutional change in research careers at all levels. In 2022, this commitment was further strengthened, with all higher education institutions, research organizations and the public organs Horizon Europe financing now required to implement a gender equality plan (GEP).
These plans must address several areas, in particular the balance between professional and private life, gender balance in leadership and decision -making, gender equality in recruitment and career progression, ‘Integration of an inclusive gender dimension in research that recognizes intersectionality and measures against sexist violence.
Find out more about Horizon Europe Guidance on GEP and frequently asked questions.
Champions of gender equality
The price of the EU for champions of gender equality famous and recognizes the exceptional results obtained by certain academic organizations and research on the conduct of change in the implementation of GEPs. The price shapes a community of Changemakers that inspire others to adopt gender equality policies and to conduct a significant and transformer institutional change.
To date, two award ceremonies have taken place, honoring seven champions of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and France. This year’s ceremony will take place in March 2025.
One of the previous winners East Rovira i Virgili University in Espagne Where now the majority of research groups at university are led by women as the main investors. The university also carried out a campaign to prevent sexual harassment and sex -based discrimination among their teaching staff.
Another notable champion is Southeast technological university in Ireland. This institution has made impressive progress in achieving the balance between the sexes, in particular within its management team and its teaching staff. Deputy teachers for senior teachers, the university has diligently worked to ensure that women and men are also represented.
Find out how you can apply becoming one of the next EU sex equality champions.
The projects funded by the EU strengthen the balance of gender equality in STEM
Strengthening the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is not only a question of equal opportunities and social justice, but also crucial to meet urgent societal challenges , such as green and digital transitions. According to the report “it is 2021”, women remain underrepresented among doctoral students in the STEM fields most STEMs.
To fight against this imbalance, the EU finances research and innovation projects aimed at increasing the participation of young girls in STEM activities, improving the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in science through the EU and beyond.
The Horizon Europe Project broadcast it addresses obstacles to under-represented groups in STEMs, focusing on young girls, by creating inclusive educational tools. The project aims to provide solutions widely applicable to various stakeholders, including series of workshops to support girls to move towards STEMs, practical activities in scientific centers and museums, the mentorship and ‘Establishment of collaborative networks at the national and international level.
To increase the interest and participation of women in Ste (a) M (where “a” means creative thought and applied arts), while deconstructing gender stereotypes, three projects funded by the EU – Route de route , The light and meaning – collaborate to develop and deliver a roadmap for the teaching of sciences on Horizon Europe, in synergy with the Erasmus program of the EU.
Learn more about Distrust it, Road thief, The light et SENS.
Meet some of the inspiring women behind European R&I
EU actions to eliminate gender inequalities in research and innovation have already given significant results, as shown by the stories of several remarkable women in science.
Such an example is Dr. Anne L’Huillier, the winner of the Nobel Prize 2023 in physics, who works on the interaction between short and intense laser fields and atoms. She attributes the early support of the MSCA program to launch her career.
Prof Rana Sanyal, winner of the European Prize 2024 for innovators and a leading expert in biotechnology is another main illustration of the vital role that EU financing plays in support for women researchers.
Alba García-Fernández and Erika Pineda Ramirez are two other researchers funded by the EU dedicated to further develop Effective treatments for cancer patients. In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, they offer inspiring advice for the next generation of researchers.
“The contribution of women in science is invaluable. We have so much talent and ideas to offer. As Marie Skłodowska-Curie said: “I was taught that the path of progress was neither fast nor easy. So my advice is: believe in you and look for what really excites you. Stay curious, continue to learn! -Alba García-Fernández, MSCA stock market.
Erika Pineda Ramirez underlines that if the work environment can sometimes make things more difficult, women researchers should continue to try and never give up because science needs more of their contributions.
Learn more
Sex in EU research and innovation – European Commission
Night of European researchers celebrate science across Europe in 2024 and 2025-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Originally published in The European Times.
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