Gender and Excellence in the Making

The promotion of gender equality in science is a vital part of the European Union's research policy. Despite progress in terms of increasing the number of women scientists in European public research, it is still of utmost importance for the success of the European Research Area to take appropriate action to correct the remaining gender imbalance in science.

Women, who represent a valuable share of Europe's pool of trained scientists, need to see science as a rewarding career choice. It is therefore essential to ensure equal opportunities for women and men in access to promotion, research funding and decision-making positions in science. This report presents the results of a workshop held at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence in October 2003, jointly organised by the Women and Science Unit of the European Commission's Research DG, the Women and Science Network of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute.

This report seeks to stimulate further discussion on the problems of defining and measuring scientific excellence, considering in particular whether the achievements of women and men scientists are assessed on the same basis. This is a rather complex issue and further research may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. The report will help to launch the debate among research bodies and funding institutions and to encourage the scientific community to think, in a more general and systematic way, about promoting a research environment free of gender bias.

European Commission: DG Research: Science and society in Europe: Women and science: publications http://ec.europa.eu/comm/research/science-society/documents_en.html

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