STAGES

Structural Transformation to Achieve Gender Equality in Science

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'STAGES has the general aim of making the most of the unprecedented opportunity, provided for by the EC, to leave the logic of pilot projects behind and launch structural change strategies addressing the many and interconnected layers of the problem of gender inequality in science from an integrated perspective, deeply involving human resources management in research institutions, modifying and gendering its basic tenets. Under the coordination of a national Government, and assisted by a research centre specialised in gender and science, 5 research institutes/universities from Italy, Germany, Denmark, Romania and the Netherlands will each implement a self tailored action plan including activities such as, among others: awareness-raising initiatives in high level institutional bodies; training modules on gender equality for internal decision makers; mentoring programmes for young women scientists; actions to enhance the visibility of women scientists; updated management and research assessment standards; course content development; leadership development; work-life balance measures; gender quotas in committees; promotion and retention policies. Negotiation with all relevant actors will play a key role in order to assure the effectiveness of the action plans and the future sustainability of the actions after the project lifespan. Sharing know how and experience will enhance the planned activities in a real time basis, giving the implementation a more participative and flexible approach. A set of central activities, including technical assistance, evaluation, accompanying research and drafting guidelines has been devised to facilitate the implementation of the action plans. International meetings on Gender and Science will be held and a special attention will be paid to dissemination activities, both at national and European level, also through the creation of national committees in the countries of each consortium member.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A group of researchers is taking an innovative approach to the issue of gender inequality in science. The project diverts from other initiatives on the topic by targeting structural change and considering the many varied facets of the problem.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Halfway through its four-year EU funding period, the 'Structural transformation to achieve gender equality in science' (http://www.projectstages.it/index.php/en/ (STAGES)) project has the general aim of supporting the career advancement of women researchers. It posits that the heart of the problem is human resources management in research institutions. As such, the solution lies in modifying and gendering its basic principles.

Five research institutes and universities from Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania are implementing a self-tailored action plan centred on three strategic areas. These cover a women-friendly environment, promoting gender-aware science and women's leadership of science. The action plans aim at introducing gender-aware management at all organisational levels.

Communication with relevant actors and knowledge and experience sharing are critical to the success of the individual plans and future sustainability of the measures implemented. Technical assistance, evaluation, research and guidelines will facilitate the implementation and success of the actions as well as their reproducibility. Other support activities involve in-progress evaluations, research on the change dynamics activated within each organisation and formalising lessons learned.

Certain actions already implemented and adopted as permanent include courses on gender for leaders, gender quotas for boards and a Women Researchers' Day. The frameworks of the action plans cover areas related to, among others, further developing the concept of institutional gender equality and promoting change in organisational culture and formal and informal behaviours.

STAGES has outlined a set of communication activities to communicate project results, collaborate with the scientific community and relevant stakeholders, and facilitate knowledge brokerage through networking. An International Board of Advisors has been appointed for providing external support, and a National Committee has been established in each country to discuss and disseminate project activities.

Ongoing project work and implementation of the specific actions plans will enable structural change benefiting gender equality in science in European research institutes. STAGES will ultimately lead to an increase in women's participation in research at all organisational levels and thus help to enhance their career paths.