Gender equality

As the latest data underline the extent of the gender gap, leading figures debate what to do about the loss of talent this represents. A declaration backed by member states blames ‘outdated gender norms’ and ‘unfair hierarchies and power structures’

The board will meet for the first time next week, following the first EIC summit in Brussels

Biggest budget to date will see synergy and proof of concept grants return, with the first calls opening this week. Pandemic-related disruption of research will be taken into account when deciding the winners

Research minister Simona Kustec to ask EU member states to sign joint declaration on gender action in research in September

Only 2% of EU start-up funding goes to all-female led companies, and COVID-19 has worsened inequality. It’s time for the Commission and member states to do more, Parliament says

Commission launches scheme aiming to close the gender gap in the male-dominated EU innovation ecosystem

EU commissioner for research and innovation announces Women TechEU, an EIC-led initiative that will offer coaching, mentoring and funding to promising female tech entrepreneurs.

Excellence and impact will be the main criteria in evaluating proposals, but in case of a tie, gender balance in research groups will swing it. All institutions awarded grants must have published gender equality plans - and show they are implementing them