JOANNEUM RESEARCH plays a central role in this and, together with the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova , coordinates the exchange between European funding organisations.
Those who fund research also help to shape which topics are investigated, which projects receive support and what framework conditions apply. Research funding organisations are therefore key players when it comes to embedding gender equality sustainably within the European research and innovation system.
The Horizon Europe-funded project GENDERACTIONplus2027 will run from 2026 to 2028. It builds on the experience gained from its predecessor, the GENDERACTIONplus project, and aims to further strengthen gender equality within the European Research Area – ERA for short. To this end, existing approaches are to be better coordinated, expertise expanded and practical tools developed.
Learning from one another – across national borders
At the heart of the project is a European Community of Practice. It comprises two groups: one brings together representatives of national authorities, whilst the second is aimed at research funding organisations. Through the exchange of experiences, mutual learning and joint activities, new approaches are developed, tested and put into practice.
JOANNEUM RESEARCH coordinates the network of research funding organisations in collaboration with Vinnova. Around 20 funding organisations from European countries share experiences within this network and work on methods and tools to ensure that gender equality and inclusion are given greater consideration in research and innovation.
From strategies to practical tools
GENDERACTIONplus2027 aims to strengthen cooperation and political coordination within Europe. At the same time, it seeks to build capacity for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of inclusive and intersectional gender equality measures.
Another key focus is on specific tools for equality and gender mainstreaming in research and innovation. Furthermore, progress is to be systematically monitored and successful approaches embedded in such a way that they continue to have an impact beyond the project’s duration.
European consortium
The project involves the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the University of Southern Denmark, Yellow Window, the National Information Processing Institute, the Higher Education Authority, Vinnova, JOANNEUM RESEARCH and the Institute for Advanced Studies.
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