UC project reinforces gender equality in research

^{Translation by Diana Taborda}

A University of Coimbra research project that aims to strengthen gender equality in scientific research has just received €240,000 in funding from the "Conciliation and Gender Equality" programme under the EEA Grants - Financial Mechanism in the European Economic Area.

The project "GendER @ UC - Gender-Equal Research", coordinated by the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra (IIIUC-UC), brings together a multidisciplinary team that will develop several activities over the next three years to respond to the complexity of gender inequalities in research.

Among the activities planned are the mapping of gender equality policies, procedures and practices in force in the research and development (R&D) units of the University of Coimbra, in order to identify gaps, establish bases for improvement and innovation, and also to design an action plan; the implementation of actions to raise awareness of the need to implement gender equality policies in research practice, sessions on "Gender and leadership for excellence in research"; and the development of a handbook on inclusive communication in UC research.

The project also includes plans to promote mentoring, raise awareness of gender inequalities in high-risk/high-gain applications, and motivate UC researchers to submit applications through close monitoring, as well as the organisation of a bootcamp called WomenResearchers@UC.

The GendER @ UC project is carried out in partnership with the University of Iceland and the Centre for Social Studies (CES). It also involves the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), AMONET - Portuguese Association of Women in Science, and researcher Jessica Cantlon from Carnegie Mellon University, USA.