This lecture, delivered by Ms. Annalisa Landi (Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus; HELIOS Ethics, Gender Equality & Diversity Coordinator), explores the European Union gender equality policy landscape and its relevance for research, innovation and health-related projects. The session introduces the key legal and institutional frameworks that promote gender equality in the EU and clarifies core concepts such as sex and gender, discrimination, multiple discrimination and intersectionality.
The lecture presents current evidence and indicators on gender equality in the European Research Area, highlighting persistent gaps—particularly in leadership and decision-making—and discusses Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) as strategic instruments for organisational change and a requirement for participation in Horizon Europe. It also demonstrates how integrating gender equality into governance, data practices, and responsible research contributes to more inclusive, high-quality and impactful research environments within the HemaFAIR ecosystem.