Following the European Research and Innovation Days, the European Commission is calling for stakeholders’ contributions to a survey on a manifesto for gender-inclusive #STEAM education & careers.

The EU is facing an unparalleled shortage of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Women make up 52% of the European population and make up the majority of tertiary graduates in the EU, yet only account for 2 out of 5 scientists and engineers. The gender gap widens as seniority levels increase, with women representing only 17.9% of full professors in engineering and technology fields, while only 10.7% of patent applications were submitted by women between 2015 and 2018, as highlighted in the latest She Figures report.  

With the European Strategy for Universities, adopted on 18 January 2022, the European Commission is committed to strengthening women’s and girls’ participation in STEM studies and careers through a roadmap of activities, which includes several Horizon 2020 funded projects and a dedicated session at the R&I Days 2022.

One specific objective of the roadmap is the creation of a “Manifesto for gender-inclusive STE(A)M education and careers”, which requires the commitment of various STEM-oriented education, research and innovation actors.  

The STEAM approach to STEM refers to the inclusion of arts, social sciences and the humanities in STEM education or careers. It develops transversal competences, creativity and innovation that may make STEM studies and careers more attractive for women.

The aim of the survey is to consult stakeholders on a number of key principles and actions to be addressed in the manifesto.

To Take the survey and learn more about gender equality in R&I, please refer to the source page of this announcement: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/towards-manifesto-gender-inclusive-steam-education-and-careers-2022-10-17_en