Gender balance in teams has only been decisive in 3% of grant decisions, but gender mainstreaming in Horizon is bearing fruit
Photo credits: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash
Horizon Europe is serious about gender equality. All applicant organisations must have a gender action plan, where project proposals are tied in an evaluation, the gender balance in applicant teams can sometimes swing who gets funding.
In the first three years of Horizon Europe, gender balance in teams was used to break 3% of evaluation ties. It’s not a large percentage but the requirement is changing how women take part in EU research.
Francesca Bucci, policy officer at the League of European Research Universities (LERU), says the criterion has encouraged research teams to more proactively consider gender when setting up and picking project leads.
“Its potential influence significantly impacts consortia applying for funding, because they are encouraged to consider the composition of their teams to maximise their chances of success,” Bucci says.
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