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EQUALITY IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

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The policy of equal opportunities should be considered in research and innovation (this is a recommendation for the whole European Research Area and a requirement, i.a., in projects co-funded under Horizon Europe). Both national and international researchers applying for and carrying out grants and research projects should take gender equality into account. The ability to take gender into consideration when analysing the research problem, selecting metrics, and responding to identified barriers is significant in this context.

Integrating the gender dimension into research and innovation provides an added value in terms of excellence, creativity, scientific capacity, and practical solutions applied in everyday life. It helps scientists question gender norms and stereotypes, as well as rethink standards and reference models. It leads to an in-depth understanding of the needs, behaviours and attitudes of different genders. It increases the social relevance of the knowledge, technology and innovation produced. It also contributes to producing goods and services that are better adapted to the needs of all audiences.

Why integrating a gender perspective is crucial in research

Integrating a gender perspective in research and innovation has become mandatory, not a voluntary option. In practice, this means that most research projects – including those funded by national and European programs – must incorporate a gender perspective in the projection, analysis, and interpretation of results (unless formally exempt).

Introducing this perspective enhances the scientific value of research by:

  • allowing for a better understanding of the differences and diverse needs of women and men,
  • counteracting the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and reference models,
  • promoting the generation of results and products (technologies, services) that are more relevant to all users,
  • increasing the societal impact and utility of science.

For this reason, the inclusion of a gender dimension is becoming a key criterion in the evaluation of research projects – including in the Horizon Europe program, where it is part of the excellence assessment. More information can be found here (avaliable in Polish).

  
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