ATHENA Gender Equality to Unlock Research Potential
Implementing gender equality plans to unlock research potential of research performing organizations (RPOs) and research funding organizations (RFOs) in Europe.
The ATHENA project has officially concluded
after five years of collaboration, research, and action by ten institutions across Europe, driving concrete and lasting change in the research and innovation landscape.
The design and implementation of Gender Equality Plans advanced dismantling structural barriers to recruitment, retention and advancement of women in research, while promoting balanced participation in decision-making processes.
ATHENA advocated that everyone, regardless of gender, should be empowered to thrive in research and contribute to a more innovative, inclusive, and competitive European society.
Despite the project’s conclusion, its tools, knowledge, and impact continue to support institutions aiming for gender equality in science and innovation.
10 partners
6 RFOs & 2 RFOs
8 EU countries
Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria
54 months
February 2021 to July 2025
8 Work Packages
developed
1.8 M€
Funded by Horizon 2020 Programme
8 Gender Equality
plans implemented
10 000 staff
and high management involved
5 Policy Briefs
and recommendations issued
Empowering Gender Equality
Good Practices in European Research Institutions
Delve into the success stories and transformative initiatives on gender equality of research institutions across Europe.
Join us on a journey of empowerment and inspiration as we explore the benefits and impact of implementing Gender Equality Plans and other impactful measures fostering gender equality in the field of research.
![[PRESS RELEASE] ATHENA Hosts High-Level Discussions on Gender Equality in European Research](https://www.athenaequality.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PRESS-RELEASE-1.jpg)
Newsletters
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Project Overview – The ATHENA project mission: Advancing Gender Equality in Research
- Key Results & Achievements
- What We’ve Achieved: From GEPs to Institutional Transformation
- Real institutional systemic transformations
- Voices of ATHENA – The Impact of GEPs, in Our Partners’ Words
- Legacy & Resources: Tools to inspire the next generation of change-makers
- From Practice to Policy: ATHENA’s recommendations for a more inclusive ERA
- Delivering Change: ATHENA outputs by institutional action
- Acknowledgements
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Upcoming Policy Event and Final Conference in Brussels.
- Key policy recommendations for advancing gender equality.
- Real-world impact stories from our Gender Equality Plans
- Insights on monitoring & evaluation in academic institutions.
- New documents and future events of gender equality
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Over 250 stakeholders engaged in ATHENA workshops to unlock research potential.
- Best practices for gender equality across different sectors workshop
- ATHENA’s exclusive interview with Science|Business.
- Our e-platform: your one-stop shop for gender equality learning & resources.
- The rise of women in the EU’s science & technology workforce (now at 52%!).
- New releases and event on Gender Equality
IN THIS ISSUE:
- ATHENA’s Latest Updates and Highlights
- Empowering Gender Equality – New Stakeholders’ Interview Series
- Fresh Releases on Gender Equality
- Upcoming Must-Attend Events
IN THIS ISSUE:
Independent experts have been and are commonly invited to take part in the advisory structures within research and innovation programmes of the European
Union (EU). This practice has become quite common as their expertise and knowledge provide a highly valuable asset. In the context of an H2020 project, a group of external experts might join an Advisory Board (AB) panel to participate in the integration of project-related activities and provide external feedback on its progress and results. The involvement of external experts extends the project network and provides valuable input to the project partners. ATHENA’s AB is composed of eight members of national authorities representing the ATHENA countries and two representatives of scientific publishers.
IN THIS ISSUE:
The first year of the project has come to an end and it was characterised mainly by intense gender audits in research performing and funding organisations. Hours of data collection, both from quantitative and qualitative perspectives have brought fruitful support for mutual discussion, awarenessraising, and preparation of gender equality plans. Overall, six project partners prepared their gender equality report, a comprehensive view of the state of gender equality in the institution, but also within the certain national and cultural contexts. All the partners balance the Gender Equality Plans preparation and implementation between different social, institutional, cultural but also individual challenges.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Do you know that almost 60% of women graduate in the EU, but very few of them pursue a research career?
Women are still underrepresented in most scientific disciplines, which constitutes a waste of talents for the European Research Area.
We do not need only legal and administrative supporting mechanisms, we need to replace existing unconscious bias, with a more equal, inclusive and fair understanding and practices of gender roles. The ATHENA project is committed to strive towards gender equality, mitigating barriers to the recruitment, retention and career progression of female researchers and addressing gender imbalances in decision-making processes.
