CAPACITIES SPECIFIC PROGRAM

Area 5.2.1.3 Mainstreaming gender in Community research policy and programmes

SiS-2010-2.1.3-1 Women in Science: Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation

In the framework of international cooperation, the Commission is interested in enhancing research cooperation on women in science between the European Union and the Mediterranean Countries.

The 1995 Barcelona Declaration recognised "the key role of women in development" in the Mediterranean region, and the need "to promote their active participation in economic and social life, and in the creation of employment".

During the 2006 Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on "Strengthening the Role of Women in Society", the Euro-Mediterranean Ministers stressed that equal participation of women and men in all spheres of life was a crucial element of democracy and confirmed that only by the inclusion of all people and determined action will the region’s women be able to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations and, by extension, contribute towards the realisation of the underlying objectives of the Barcelona Declaration: the attainment of a common area of peace, stability and shared prosperity in the Mediterranean region.

In the field of external action of Science in Society, it is therefore important to better understand the situation of women in science in this area, taking into account cultural diversities and traditions, and analyse how the ICPC Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) are addressing this issue. Annex 1, the List of International Co-operation Partner Countries (ICPC), contains the list of Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC): Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian-administered areas, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia. All of these countries should be included in the scope of the research, unless the proposals demonstrate that no data is available.

The research will therefore provide state of the art description, data collection and relevant comparative analysis of the following topics in all MPCs:

a)      Presence of horizontal segregation in science careers. The research will include the issue of choice of scientific subjects by girls and occupational choices by women, the perception and attractiveness of Science Engineering and Technology (SET), the causes underlying these choices (e.g. stereotypes, cultural and social influences, etc.), the causes of success and failure at university level, etc.

b)      Presence of vertical segregation in science careers, including barriers for women to reach top scientific positions ('glass ceiling' or 'sticky floor'), mentoring / tutoring initiatives, etc.

c)      The underlying causes and effects of these two aspects, for instance work-life balance issues, pay gap, mobility-related obstacles, dual careers, evidence of discrimination, working culture, stereotypes, etc.

d)     National or regional policies, legislations, and positive actions, as well as the core stakeholders in the above mentioned fields, including government, funding agencies, academia, and civil society organisations.

The proposal must address the role of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but other disciplines could be included.

In order to facilitate future targeted comparison with available data from EU Member States and Associated Countries, it is recommended to use existing methodologies and models. For instance, the Meta-Analysis of gender and science research and the Gender Research Database[1] as well as the SHE Figures 2009 publication may be used as a basis for data collection.

A final synthesis report will present the main findings of the various reports on the specific topics and will provide recommendations for policy-makers. All results and reports should be publishable.

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project for Specific International Cooperation Actions (SICAs) dedicated to international cooperation partner countries -(Indicative budget: EUR 2.00 million)

Additional eligibility criteria: At least four legal entities must participate. At least two of the legal entities must be established in Member States or associated countries, but not established in the same Member State or Associated Country; and at least two of the legal entities must be established in ICPC Mediterranean Partner Countries, but not established in the same ICPC country. 

The maximum requested EC contribution shall not exceed EUR 2 000 000 and it is envisaged that a maximum of one proposal will be funded.

Expected Impact: The object of this research is to increase knowledge on gender issues in science and increase interest on this topic in the targeted countries, allowing further development of research cooperation in the field. The results will inform policy-makers on the topic of women in science in all MPCs.

Deadline: Thursday 21 January 2010 at 17.00.00, Brussels local time.