Gender dimension in R&I
The information and definitions below – including quotations -, are taken from the Horizon Europe Programme Guide
The concept
Gender dimension in R&I content is an umbrella term covering “the integration of sex and/or gender analysis throughout the entire R&I cycle”. “Addressing the gender dimension in research and innovation thus entails taking into account sex and gender in the whole R&I process”.
“The concept should not be confused with gender balance and equal opportunities among the project’s team members or participants”
Some definitions
Sex – a biological term, defined by a set of features “according to functions driving from the chromosomal component, reproductive organs, specific hormones or environmental factors that affect the expression of phenotypic traits (morphology) in sexually reproducting organisms”
- In non-human animals, sex refers to biological attributes that distinguish male, female, or hermaphrodite
- In humans, sex refers to biological attributes that distinguish male, female, or intersex
- In engineering and product design, the concept includes anatomical and physiological characteristics that may impact the design of products, systems and processes
Gender – “a sociocultural set of norms, identities and relations that categorise individuals (…) and shape behaviours, products, technologies, environments, and knowledge. The concept is dynamic and may vary in time and across societies, although changes in the definition of gender roles usually take time”
Gender dimension in…
- R&I projects – when relevant, the gender dimension pervades scientific research throughout: from the definition of the research question(s), the working hypotheses and assumptions, the design of the experiments and development of prototypes, the type of research data and their analysis, to the conclusive findings and outputs
- R&I proposals – as structured plans of projects, and when relevant, the gender dimension may be reflected in the formulation of the R&I objectives, in the proposed approach and methodology as well as in the expected R&I outputs, or integrated in training, dissemination, communication or exploitation activities
Sources of Consultation – at ISTA
As to “Sex and gender dimensions in research content”, you can find more detailed information here, including a checklist for sex and gender aspects in your research projects
If you have questions about the topic or any related research (ethics) aspects, please consult the Research Ethics and Integrity Pages or contact our Ethics Officer.
Sources of General consultation
Gendered Innovations : This project develops practical methods of sex, gender and intersectional analysis for scientists and engineers. It also provides case studies and examples in various scientific disciplines including the environmental sciences, health & medicine, and engineering, whereby these aspects may – or not!! – be or relevance. A good reference source for first checks of the significance that sex- and gender-related aspects may have in your research field.
Horizon Europe Programme Guide and references therein, including:
- Gendered innovations: How Inclusive Analysis Contributes to Research and Innovation
- Gendered Innovations 2: How Inclusive Analysis Contributes to Research and Innovation, policy review, European Commission
Editorial: “Accounting of sex and gender makes for better science” Nature 588, 196 (2020)