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On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), "Voices of MaX" presents a special podcast episode addressing gender equality within European research projects. The episode features Luisa Neri (CNR-Nano, MaX Management), who provides insights into the integration of gender dimension in project management, leadership, and daily research practices.
Gender equality represents a strategic objective in EU-funded research, informing both policy frameworks and operational practices. The podcast examines how gender-related requirements, such as Gender Equality Plans and Horizon Europe guidelines, are implemented in projects, influencing governance, decision-making processes, and institutional culture. The discussion underscores the critical role of inclusive practices in enhancing research quality and fostering sustainable, equitable research environments.
Insights from EU-funded research management
Luisa Neri shares her experience working within European research consortia, highlighting how gender equality has evolved from a compliance requirement to a core component of project planning and execution. The conversation explores how initiatives at the European level encourage the integration of gender perspectives from proposal preparation to project delivery, and how these measures expand the analytical lens of scientific inquiry.
Practical measures
The episode emphasises concrete actions that support gender inclusion, including visibility campaigns for women scientists, diversifying speaker rosters at training events, and balanced representation on advisory boards. Beyond visible measures, sustaining dialogue and raising awareness within research teams are critical to challenging assumptions and fostering equitable practices.
Persistent challenges are also addressed, such as the impact of work–life balance on career progression and the underrepresentation of women in senior positions, particularly in high-performance computing domains. The discussion illustrates that while progress is ongoing, systemic barriers remain that require continued attention and action.
Access the Episode
The special edition of "Voices of MaX" is available on the MaX YouTube channel. We encourage the research community to engage with the discussion, reflect on best practices, and contribute to advancing gender equality in European science.