The recent European Commission report highlights the transformative impact of GEPs in advancing gender equity in research and innovation, aligning with the goals of the CALIPER project to drive progress in STEM fields.
A recent report titled Impact of Gender Equality Plans across the European Research Area has highlighted the transformative effects of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) on promoting gender equity within research and innovation (R&I) institutions.
Commissioned by the European Commission, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of how GEPs have driven structural changes across higher education and research organisations, fostering greater inclusivity and representation of women in STEM fields.
The report underscores that GEPs have become a critical tool in advancing gender equality, especially since their introduction as an eligibility criterion under Horizon Europe. Institutions implementing GEPs have not only strengthened existing policies but also established new frameworks to address gender disparities in areas such as recruitment, career progression, and leadership positions.
The study concludes that the successful integration of GEPs has resulted in tangible improvements, such as better gender balance in leadership roles and a more inclusive research environment across the European Research Area (ERA).
The CALIPER project, a Horizon 2020 initiative that Cardiff University joined in 2021, has been instrumental in supporting the development and implementation of impactful GEPs throughout Europe. The Academia Europaea Cardiff Hub led communications across Europe and encouraged wider engagement with the project, producing digital content and organising events, working closely with the Young Academy of Europe (YAE) and Academia Europaea (AE).
Through CALIPER’s work, nine research-performing organizations (RPOs) and research-funding organizations (RFOs) were equipped with tools and methodologies to effectively design, execute, and evaluate their GEPs. This structured approach enabled institutions to identify key areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies, aligning with the broader goals of EU gender equality policies.
The report’s findings align closely with CALIPER’s objectives, emphasising the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring the sustainability and success of GEPs.
Posted 17th October 2024. For further information please contact AECardiffHub@cardiff.ac.uk
