How to integrate the gender dimension into your Horizon Europe project proposal
Examples and tips on how you can cover the gender dimension to foster the social impact of your project and increase your chances of funding.
Published on 24/09/2024 by Marlene Kopf
Horizon Europe, the European Union’s premier research and innovation program, places significant emphasis on integrating a gender dimension in all funded projects. This commitment recognizes that gender balance and sensitivity enhance the quality and impact of research.
For scientists preparing a Horizon Europe project proposal related to natural sciences, understanding and applying these gender considerations is essential. Here is an outline of the European Commission’s key guidelines on gender, offering practical tips for incorporating them into your project proposal.
What does the European Commission take into consideration?
The European Commission has identified several critical areas where a gender dimension should be integrated into Horizon Europe projects:
1) Gender balance in research teams: Ensuring an equal representation of women and men in research teams at all levels, from leadership roles to junior researchers.
2) Gender balance in decision-making: Promoting gender diversity in decision-making bodies and advisory groups.
3) Gender dimension in research and innovation content: Including gender analysis and perspectives in the design, implementation, and reporting of research activities.
4) Addressing gender bias: Identifying and mitigating gender biases in methodologies, data collection, and analysis.
Practical tips for integrating the gender dimension
To effectively incorporate a gender dimension into your Horizon Europe project proposal, consider the following practical tips:
1. Conduct a gender analysis in research design
Start by examining how gender influences your research topic. For instance, in biomedical research, consider sex-specific differences in health outcomes, disease prevalence, and treatment responses. Review existing literature to identify gender disparities and incorporate these insights into your research questions and objectives. Ensure your proposal clearly articulates how gender analysis will enhance the research quality.
2. Ensure inclusive research teams
Aim for gender balance within your research team. Detail in your proposal how you plan to achieve and sustain this balance, including recruitment strategies, gender equality policies, and mechanisms for monitoring diversity. Highlight the benefits of diverse perspectives and how they will contribute to the project’s success.
3. Apply gender-sensitive methodologies
Design research methodologies that capture gender-specific data. This could involve stratifying data by sex, using gender-sensitive indicators, or ensuring data collection tools are free from gender bias. Clearly explain in your proposal how these methodologies will improve the validity and applicability of your findings.
4. Plan for training and capacity building
Include provisions for gender equality training and capacity building for your team members. Workshops, seminars, and online courses can raise awareness and equip your team with the skills needed to integrate a gender dimension effectively. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing education will strengthen your proposal.
5. Consider societal impact
Reflect on the broader societal impact of your research. How will your findings contribute to gender equality in the scientific community or society at large? Provide specific examples of how your project will address gender disparities or promote gender-sensitive outcomes. This might include developing technologies that benefit all genders or creating policies that support gender equality.
Leveraging EU resources for gender equality
Take advantage of the resources and support provided by the European Commission:
- Gender Equality in Horizon Europe: https://rea.ec.europa.eu/gender-eu-research-and-innovation_en
- Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs): NCPs offer tailored advice and assistance on the gender dimension specific to your country or region.
- Gender Equality Plans (GEPs): As of 2024, the Gender Equality Plan is mandatory for some, but not all partners. Many institutions have established GEPs with procedures and best practices that can be adapted to your project. The European Institute of Gender Equality provides more information and a step-by-step toolkit to write a Gender Equality Plan from scratch: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gear/horizon-europe-gep-criterion?language_content_entity=en
Why it is essential to consider the gender dimension in Horizon Europe proposals
Integrating the gender dimension into Horizon Europe project proposals is not just a requirement but a pathway to conducting high-quality, impactful research. By considering gender balance, employing gender-sensitive methodologies, and showing a commitment to gender equality, you can enhance your scientific endeavors’ relevance and societal impact.
Use the tips and resources provided to craft a compelling and compliant project proposal that stands out in the competitive Horizon Europe funding landscape.
By embedding these gender considerations into your research, you contribute to a more inclusive and equitable scientific community, ultimately leading to innovations that better serve society as a whole.
