EU’s Gender Equality Champion Awards: When Fairness Improves Science

In 2024, researchers at the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) in Slovenia recognized the benefits of gender-balanced research.

That year, JSI’s space medicine lab, collaborating with the European Space Agency, was focusing on astronauts’ health but only using male subjects. Meanwhile, US astronaut Sunita Williams extended her stay on the International Space Station.

“The lead researcher approached me and said, ‘next time we’ll include women, we need data for women too’,” shared Dr. Romana Jordan, assistant director for EU affairs at JSI. “Research is more valuable if it includes everyone.”

Addressing Gender Disparity

JSI is among the five recipients of the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions, recognizing institutions fostering inclusive and gender-equal research environments.

Initially, JSI believed Slovenia’s socialist history supported a meritocratic research landscape. However, a detailed review revealed otherwise.

“The most concerning discovery was the gender gap in leadership and key decision-making committees,” Jordan noted.

JSI addressed this by establishing a human resources department, updating promotion guidelines, and enhancing systems for reporting harassment and violence.

A new diversity and inclusion committee aims to improve opportunities for diverse populations, including those with disabilities.

“Gender equality is about fostering an environment where excellence can truly thrive,” Jordan stated.

Recognizing Research Excellence

The EU Award for Gender Equality includes three categories: newcomer, sustainable, and inclusive champions, each with a €100,000 prize.

The awards complement the need for a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) when applying for Horizon Europe funding.

This year’s winners – from Czechia, Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain – demonstrate how equality efforts enhance fairness and research quality.

“Incorporating diverse perspectives enriches research quality,” said Professor Michaela Vogt, vice-rector for international affairs, diversity, and society at Bielefeld University, Germany.

Bielefeld University received the sustainability award for its longstanding commitment to equality, having published its first GEP in 2000.

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Incorporating diverse perspectives enriches research quality.

Bielefeld updates its GEP every three years, continually seeking improvements. Around 80 individuals across the university participate in these efforts.

These initiatives include gender-aware hiring, training for women scientists, and a publicly available toolbox with over 120 practical measures for departments.

The impact is apparent: the percentage of women professors increased from 16% in 2003 to 38% in 2023. This progressive culture attracts many academics.

“Bielefeld University examines the broader context,” Vogt explained. “Discrimination is multifaceted, often intersecting with other factors.”

Comprehensive Equality Efforts

This aligns with European efforts to promote equality regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or other factors.

Intersectionality is a priority for the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Spain, which shared the sustainability award with Bielefeld.

Dr. Maria Olivella, director of the equality, diversity, and inclusion unit at UOC, emphasizes the need for a unique approach to inequality in their online model.

Online learning aids work-life balance but requires careful management to prevent reinforcing inequalities.

“Without support, online work can exacerbate inequalities,” Olivella noted, citing issues like inadequate home conditions and isolation for migrant staff.

UOC provides home office equipment to address these challenges and updates protocols to tackle online harassment.

Transforming Attitudes

UOC also strives to change perceptions by encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and recognizing essential but often invisible tasks like administration.

“We need to officially acknowledge this hidden academic work,”