The Action Plan is part of the EU’s broader ambition to make the European Research Area more inclusive and competitive. Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in senior academic positions, innovation-driven entrepreneurship and patenting activities. The Commission aims to address persistent structural barriers by collecting evidence on career pathways, working conditions, institutional practices and access to funding.
The consultation provides an opportunity for chemists and research organisations to contribute insights from their own disciplines and working environments, especially in areas such as:
- barriers to women’s participation in research and innovation;
- drivers for women to pursue STEM careers and/or in the innovation sector;
- consequences of underrepresentation and gender inequalities in the R&I sector;
- impact of strategies at EU, national, and institutional levels to promote gender equality.
The final Action Plan, expected later in 2026, will complement existing EU measures such as Gender Equality Plans and broader ERA gender-equality objectives.
Contributions can be submitted via the Commission’s Have Your Say platform until 23 February.
