The HG is a group who brings together representatives from Member States and Associated Countries, to promote equality between women and men in research and innovation (R&I) and to embed the gender dimension in science, research and innovation contents and programmes.

The Helsinki Group on Women and Science was established in November 1999, as part of the action plan announced in the Communication (1999)76 “Women and Science: mobilising women to enrich European research” and confirmed in the Research Council Resolution adopted on 20 May 1999, OJ C 201/1 – 16.7.1999. Its members are national representatives involved in promoting women in scientific research in both Member States and Associated States. The Helsinki Group holds biannual meetings in the Commission premises, or in the country holding the Presidency of the European Union. The meetings are chaired by the Commission, namely by the Director of Directorate B European Research Area or failing that by the Head of Unit B6 Ethics and Gender.

On 26 June 2001, in its resolution on science and society and on women in science (2001/C 199/01), the Council invited the Member States and the European Commission to support the Helsinki Group in continuing its work, and to deepen cooperation to promote the role of women in European research.

In the last years, the HG has actively contributed to the publication of She Figures through its sub-group of national statistical correspondents.

Source: Register of Commission Expert Groups