Horizon Europe is the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) that sets out the main lines of funding for R+D+I themes and missions as well as the rules for participation for research institutions and staff.
In the new Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027), gender equality as a cross-cutting element will receive a new impetus. The objectives are to solve the remaining challenges to achieve real equality in research and innovation; to boost the European Union’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025; and to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG), achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Mariya Gabriel herself, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, has expressed her commitment to the objectives of ensuring that the gender dimension is fully integrated into the projects financed by Horizon Europe and equality is recognized in the European Research Area.
The main developments that Horizon Europe represents with regard to gender equality are:
- Having an equality plan will be a requirement of eligibility to receive funding from Horizon Europe for public entities, research bodies and higher education.
- The integration of the gender dimension in the content of research and innovation will be a default requirement throughout the program (more information in the Gendered Innovations report and its corresponding information sheet, linked at the end of the news).
- Particular attention will be paid to gender balance in the Commission's evaluation panels and working and expert groups, as well as in the research teams of funded projects; in fact, gender balance can be considered as a tiebreaker in project evaluation.
- In terms of funding, the measures of the European Innovation Council, funding for gender studies under Cluster 2 - Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Societies - stand out, as well as support for the development of inclusive equality plans under the area "Expanding participation and strengthening the European Research Area".