24 Feb 2026
Science Europe publishes its response to Call for Evidence on Action Plan for Women in Research, Innovation and Start-ups
Science Europe published its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Action Plan for Women in Research, Innovation and Start-ups on 23 February 2026. The association points out that despite progress, significant inequalities persist across Europe’s research and innovation systems. Women remain under-represented in senior and leadership positions, particularly in STEM and business fields, and gender-based violence continues to persist. Science Europe stresses that, in the current context of political and societal backlash against equality measures, robust and ambitious EU action is essential.
In its response, Science Europe calls for strengthened Gender Equality Plans, improved monitoring and implementation of equality policies, and targeted measures to address bias in research assessment. It emphasises the importance of better and safer data collection, training for reviewers and managers, and concrete action to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence.
The response underlines that equality policies must extend beyond grant applicants to encompass all research professionals and the private sector. An ambitious and well-implemented Action Plan is an opportunity to further address persistent challlenges hindering the full realisation of equality in the European research and innovation ecosystem, greatly contributing to improving the framework conditions for research in Europe.
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