22 Apr 2026
ERA Forum sub-group publishes paper on the Gender Dimension in R&I Content
The ERA Forum sub-group ‘Inclusive Gender Equality in the European Research Area’, an advisory body of the European Commission, has published a position paper on 'The Gender Dimension in Research and Innovation Content: Why the default requirement must be retained in Framework Programme 10 (2028–2034)'. Comprising representatives from Member States, Associated Countries, and umbrella stakeholder organisations, the sub-group supports the implementation of ERA Structural Policy ‘Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA, notably with an intersectional approach’ of the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027.
The European Commission points out that EC representatives were not involved in the drafting of this document, and the paper does not constitute a European Commission position or endorsement.
The paper sets out the case for continuing the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation (R&I) content as a default requirement in Framework Programme 10 (2028–2034). It draws on lessons from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe to show why early integration of sex-disaggregated data, gender-relevant variables and, where relevant, intersectional factors is essential for research quality, innovation, competitiveness and societal relevance.
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