The newly launched Horizon EU project AGRIGEP contributes to creating equal opportunities for all through responsive Gender Equality Plans & Inclusive Action at Agriculture and Life Science Universities.
The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, via the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, is a partner in the newly launched Horizon Europe project AGRIGEP under the coordination of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE).
Project No. 101094158
Project name: Assessment and implementation of Agriculture and Life Sciences Universities’ first Gender Equality Plans in widening countries
Project Acronym: AGRIGEP
EC Contribution: € 998, 237,50
Duration: 36 months
Start date: 1 January 2023
End date: 31 December 2025
Consortium: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) (coordinator), Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU), University of Primorska (UP), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC), Yellow Window (YW), Association for Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE).
Website: https://agrigep.eu/
Gender inequality is a major barrier in the R&I area that limit the capabilities and capacities of research and education institutions. Although major efforts to reach gender equality (GE) in R&I have been made in many areas of the world, there are still prominent inequalities in the widening countries. Across the EU, the development of Gender Equality Plans (GEP) intends to address the problems at RPOs; however, the variability in capability, capacity, and expertise hinders the efficient implementation of the institutional GEPs. Additionally, specific GE issues exist within certain fields of study at research and education institutions. In this context, GE issues in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are well-known and specific action plans have been developed. Within STEM, agriculture and life-science-focused RPOs face similar problems but lack sector-specific measures and mitigation plans. Furthermore, in agriculture, a large GE sector-specific imbalance exists in developing countries where a relevant proportion of RPOs’ international students come from. The AGRIGEP project, with the joint efforts of six consortium partners, aims to assess widening RPOs' current status on GEP implementation, improve capabilities through intensive capacity building, and develop and implement agriculture and life-science targeted GEP with sectorial-specific measures and strategies. These results could lead to long-term institutional reforms. Additionally, this project works to establish the inclusion of GE issues within the RPOsa’ educational system and the professional training of students. Realising these objectives and implementing inclusive GEPs will enhance the inclusiveness, reputation, attractiveness, and research excellence of widening country RPOs. Moreover, it will promote the transformation of institutions and advance GE within the ERA as well.