Courageous Revolution speeds up Evolution. First EPWS Memorandum on the European Commission’s Proposal for the next EU Research & Innovation Programme (2021-2017) Horizon Europe

EPWS is pleased to announce the publication of the Platform’s First Memorandum on the European Commission’s Proposal for the next EU Research & Innovation Programme (2021-2017) Horizon Europe. [1]

First Memorandum is an initial reaction from EPWS to the proposal. It also is a call for action for an even more consequent integration of gender equality and the gender dimension in Horizon Europe. It is the vision of the European Platform of Women Scientists EPWS that the new Framework Programme should have a clear and strict directive promoting equal opportunities in research and innovation, as is currently postulated in Horizon 2020. The goal is to close still existing gaps, enhance the programme’s orientation towards present priorities in research and innovation, and ensure a more substantial and sustainable European added value.

EPWS’ recommendations in the First Memorandum encourage the European Commission to enhance the evolution intended by Horizon Europe. They advocate confirming the seriousness of the Commission’s endeavour to include all members of society in the research process by integrating strong and sustainable programme features to ensure gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation – even if some of those features, such as the creation of a specific mission on gender equality and the gender dimension in science and innovation as called for by EPWS, would indeed be revolutionary.

Download the First Memorandum in pdf format.

EPWS welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for Horizon Europe and points out that gender equality as well as the inclusion of the gender dimension in research and innovation content and method are the precondition of any future-oriented, excellent and open science and innovation.

[1] Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination. Brussels, 7.6.2018, COM(2018) 435 final 2018/0224 (COD) and ANNEXES to the Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination. Brussels, 7.6.2018, COM(2018) 435 final, ANNEXES 1 to 5.