FP10 can create genuine change for gender equality in European R&I

The next European Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10) is an unmissable opportunity to reshape research and innovation in Europe by embedding genuine gender equality into its very fabric.

Although significant progress has been made over the years, the persistent underrepresentation of women remains a major concern. As the successor to Horizon Europe, FP10 must build on past efforts by transforming Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) from administrative formalities into impactful tools that not only improve research quality, but also create inclusive working environments and ensure that the gender dimension is integrated into research and innovation projects.

One key lesson from Horizon 2020 is that although attention to gender equality has increased, women remain significantly underrepresented in research – only 37% of research teams and 23% of project coordinators were women. The introduction of Gender Equality Plans under Horizon Europe marked a positive step toward institutional transformation, yet there is still considerable room for improvement in FP10. In many cases, GEPs are still seen as box-ticking exercises, presenting a gender-balanced research team on paper while the actual project implementation often tells a different story.

Equally critical is the need to adopt a broader, more holistic approach that goes beyond simple gender metrics to encompass equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), alongside an intersectional perspective. As a member of the European Research Area subgroup on inclusive gender equality, I have witnessed a growing recognition of the need to expand the scope of gender discussions to include a more intersectional understanding of diversity. Members states, universities and research institutions across Europe recognise that strengthening gender equality is essential, but many also see the importance of addressing intersecting forms of inequality.

By integrating inclusive and intersectional criteria into FP10, the programme can foster an environment where not only gender but also other aspects of diversity, such as ethnic origin, disability, or socio-economic status, are genuinely considered. This holistic approach would tap into a wider pool of talent, elevating the societal relevance of research and ensuring a richer and more varied contribution to research and innovation.

The urgency of these reforms is further underscored by the findings of the European Commission’s She Figures 2024 report. While nearly 47% of entry-level researchers are women, only about 30% progress to senior positions. This ‘leaky pipeline’ reveals that early-career recruitment is just one piece of the puzzle. Systemic barriers, such as the lack of strong legislative support, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, persistent gender biases, and the occasional lack of confidence that some women may feel in their abilities to pursue leadership roles, hinder them from reaching top positions in academia.

Successful national examples, like Ireland’s significant increase in female university leaders, demonstrate that dedicated strategies, strong leadership development programmes and collective action can accelerate change. FP10 has the potential to drive similar transformations by ensuring that GEPs are implemented as living instruments for change, with well-designed monitoring throughout the entire project lifecycle.

That being said, FP10 cannot address every challenge related to gender equality in research and innovation. Rather, it should provide a targeted set of impactful interventions, primarily through improved and better monitored GEPs, the integration of a gender perspective into research content and enhanced gender representation in decision-making bodies. These measures will directly contribute to building a research and innovation environment where all talents have the opportunity to thrive.

In doing so, FP10 will also support the broader objectives of the European Research Area. With the ERA aiming to address longstanding structural barriers, such as making research careers more attractive and improving research assessment systems, FP10 has the potential to boost its efforts to achieve these wider objectives.

As FP10 is still in the design phase, Europe must seize the initiative to open a new chapter for gender equality in research and innovation. By enhancing GEPs as dynamic instruments for change, ensuring that the gender dimension is embedded in the design and implementation of R&I projects and addressing systemic barriers that hinder women’s progression to more senior research roles, FP10 can pave the way for a future where excellence and inclusivity go hand in hand. This is not solely a technical or administrative challenge – it is a call for a cultural shift that will enhance both the quality and societal impact of research and innovation across Europe. And the time to act is now.