STAGES

STAGES - Structural Transformation to Achieve Gender Equality in Science

The main objective of the EU-FP7 financed project STAGES is to launch structural change strategies addressing the problem of gender inequality in science through implementation of self-tailored actions plans in different European universities and research institutions.

A further aim of the project is to create insight into the dynamics surrounding structural change efforts in research institutions and to stimulate organisational learning on gender equality.

With the implementation of a number of negotiation strategies developed specifically for the project, STAGES also intends to ensure the widest possible consensus around gender equality initiatives in research organisations.

The project has adopted an integrated perspective, involving human resources management in different European universities and research institutions as active players in efforts to modify and transform knowledge organisations.

Where previous EU-funded gender projects focused efforts on "changing" the female researchers with the aim of enhancing their qualifications and boosting their careers in organisations potential discriminatory logics, the project rather makes the knowledge organisation subject to action-oriented initiatives.

STAGES is based on the experiences and guidelines developed in the framework of two other European projects (PRAGES and WHIST) carried out recently at Aarhus University. The project has a duration of 4 years (2012-2015).

To achieve its general aim and specific objectives the project comprises the following elements:

Designing of action plans to implement in the participating universities and research institutions, using a common theoretical and methodological framework as a tool for mutual learning and exchange among the partners.
Implementation of the abovementioned action plans, according to the roadmaps of each research organisation participating in the project, aiming to produce tangible, measurable results in terms of female participation in research at all levels of seniority.
Coordination and promotion of mutual learning processes among all partners.
Ongoing and final evaluation of the initiatives, which will apply indicators and technical instruments (questionnaires and grids), developed on the basis of data and information resulting from technical assistance and monitoring.
Production of guidelines directly deriving from the structural change experience, focusing on successful consensus-building strategies to gain acceptance and assure sustainability for the actions implemented.
Networking and dissemination activities.

Participant organisations:

Department for Equal Opportunities, Presidency of the Italian Council of Ministers
Aarhus University, Denmark
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Germany
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania
Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
University of Milan, Italy
ASDO, Italy