Gender Equality in Academia and Research

With the launch of Horizon Europe – the key funding programme for research and innovation (R & I) – in 2021, a new eligibility criterion was introduced to strengthen gender equality as a cross-cutting priority: organisations applying for Horizon Europe funds are required to have a gender equality plan (GEP) in place. For the calls with submission deadlines in 2022 and beyond, the GEP eligibility criterion will apply to all parts of Horizon Europe.

The following categories of legal entities established in EU Member States or associated countries need to comply with this criterion:

• public bodies, such as research funding bodies, national ministries and other public authorities, including public for-profit organisations,
• higher education institutions, both public and private,
• research organisations, both public and private.

In the understanding of the Horizon Europe work programme, a GEP should consist of the following.

• Four minimum mandatory process-related requirements.
  • Public document. A GEP is a formal document published on the organisation’s website, signed by the top management and actively communicated within your organisation.
  • Dedicated resources. A GEP must include a commitment to provide sufficient resources and expertise in gender equality for implementation.
  • Data collection and monitoring. A GEP should be informed by collecting and analysing sex-disaggregated data on personnel (and students, for the relevant organisations). Organisations should report progress annually based on specific indicators.
  • Training. A GEP must include awareness-raising and training activities on gender equality for the whole organisation and training on unconscious gender biases for staff and decision-makers.

• Five recommended content-related requirements:
  • work–life balance and organisational culture;
  • gender balance in leadership and decision-making;
  • gender equality in recruitment and career progression;
  • integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching content;
  • measures against gender-based violence, including sexual harassment.

See the gender equality in academia and research (GEAR) action toolbox for more details on the content-related requirements.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on GEPs in Horizon Europe and the guidance on GEPs for more details on the eligibility criterion.