Gender Equality as Key Aspect of Activity

	Research on ferrofluids

Gender policy is a highly important issue of the Nano2Life network's activities. Momentarily 30% of the involved scientists are women, at the executive level a 50% gender balance has already been reached. A human resource management (HRM) program has been initiated to ensure fair cooperation between the different organisations and cultures of N2L. Gender equality is an integral part of this HRM.

 

All levels in the network will

• Create awareness of gender equality,
• Design a common gender equality policy,
• Reach a 40% ratio of women in all working groups,
  Monitor gender indicators to obtain statistics,
  Evaluate how pilot actions influence the gender balance.

Gender Related Pilot Actions

As part of this HRM program, a number of pilot actions have been implemented:

 

PROGRESS is a multi-cultural and equality oriented HRM course that addresses leadership training in combination with empowerment. The aim of the program is to develop a common leadership- and group-orientated knowledge within N2L that promotes the fundamental value of equal treatment.

 

The eMentoring program involves electronic communication, but also face-to face meetings. It is designed as a support for young N2L scientists (male and female) through advice, from an experienced researcher in his/her field outside their current institution.

 

The PAN-European expert group deals with gender specific issues in nanobiotechnology: different metabolism or different pre-conditions between sexes are receiving attention worldwide, and are expected to become integrated topics of the strategic research projects of N2L.