The in-depth consultation on the future of research, innovation and gender was launched by genSET in response to the EC Green Paper "From Challenges to Opportunities: Towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation Funding”,The consultation contained 29 questions, focusing on the three key dimensions of this debate:

1. Research cultures and scientific quality
2. Innovation cultures and creativity
3. Structural change and social responsibility

This consultation recieved over 300 reponses and will contribute important evidence and understanding of how Europe can benefit from more effective mainstreaming of the gender dimension in research, innovation and in the scientific systems. 

Policy Manifesto

The preliminary analysis of the results will form the basis of the Policy Manifesto, which will be discussed and refined at the Summit for presentation to the European Commission. 

Highlights of the report:

• Identifying gender equality roles and responsibilitties for institutional leader is not at all obvious at present.
• There is strong support for a more multi- and intra-disciplinary approach to mainstreaming gender – with gender experts working along with the scientists in creating research that is better equipped to identify and capitalize on gender sensitive analysis of problems.
• There are strong calls for additional policy intervention, at the highest EU-level, and for EC leadership to carry this policy momentum to implementation at national and institutional levels – across all relevant areas of scientific endeavour.
• There is a recurring call for funding opportunities needed to specifically target gender issues in research, from training of researchers on the gender dimension, to creating academic professorial posts in the area and facilitating cross-sector collaborations.
• There is a shared view that action has to be taken by all stakeholders and key players, spanning all aspects of research – with financial incentives (or penalties).
• There is a strong conviction that a whole range of leadership gaps can be pinpointed that show serious shortcomings in the capacity to address gender issues effectively.

You can download the complete report here [pdf, 420KB, Updated on 24/10/2011]

Convenors: