The European Commission is determined to act upon reducing gender inequality, in the professional sectors, by bridging existent gender gaps. Subsequently, funding programmes and European Research Areas (ERA), interwoven with the field of research and innovation, have reformed their priorities.

Horizon Europe as an Instrument of Reducing Gender Inequality

Horizon Europe, a key research and innovation-driven funding programme, has redefined its principles. There have been additions regarding the following:

• There are extensions regarding the eligibility criteria. Especially, in certain occasions of European legal entities and associated countries, encompassing a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is imperative.
• A supplementary requirement is embodying a gender-related aspect; except in the occasions that it is stated otherwise. To reinforce the gender dimension, there will be provision of tools that correspond to sex, gender, and in the framework of intersectional analysis.
• Finally, restoring balance, in terms of gender composition in Horizon Europe related groups, is another objective to be achieved.

Additional acts of specific funding provision will be focused on the following:

• The Pillar II cluster 2 thematic, that revolves around culture, creativity, and inclusive society.
• The formation of gender equality policies that foster a spectrum of wider participation and reinforcement of ERA programme.
• Finally, encouraging women innovators, through Horizon Europe Pillar III and European Innovation Council (EIC).

Additions in the European Research Areas

The ERA action plan, has embodied to its effort, of transforming the European market of research, innovation, and technology, the following objectives:

• Promote gender equity in scientific professions.
• Achieve balance, in terms of gender composition, in decision making positions.
• Amplifying research and innovation, by encompassing the gender aspect.

All the crosscutting priorities are aiming at reducing gender inequality. However, the long term and less noticeable impact of this initiative, will be expanding the research boundaries, and subsequently the research quality.

Additional acts, pertinent to this aim, are examining the impact of COVID-19, in relation to gender; creation of She Figures report, to document the existent conditions, across Europe. Finally, the Commission provides indirect support to research networks that their activity is related to gender.

iED is an active advocate of tendencies that foster gender parity implementation. Hence, its participation in initiatives that promote gender balance professionally is inevitable. Our Institute is actively participating in numerous European projects that share the same mission. If you would like to team up with us and contribute towards this aim, you can contact our team for further information.