Modernisation is generally focused on some critical issues such as: autonomy, funding, accountability, partnership with businesses, quality of research, intellectual property rights, open access to research results, contribution to innovation, community engagement, etc. Human resources, however, are often not included as one of the main issues – and gender issues are rarely considered.

However, no true modernisation of universities and research institutions can take place if the social relationships governing these remain based on and ruled by stereotypes – i.e. if excellence is biased or if innovativeness is not promoted through "diverse thinking". Gender-bias is often the source of the more-ingrained stereotypes: tackling it in the management of universities and research institutions could provide the basis for radical change in other fields.

Because the majority of gender-based stereotypes are already acquired at school, discussion on possible measures should start at school level through the identification and elimination of old-fashioned regulations, teaching methods and teaching materials.

Ten years of EU experience in analysing the situation regarding the field of women in science has demonstrated that the direct commitment of institutions is essential in attracting and keeping women, and men, in science.

The conference will offer the opportunity to highlight best practices, adopted in the EU and third country institutions; to discuss these issues, and identify which measures could be promoted in the future.

For more information, please visit our website:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.topic&id=1860