The need to upgrade measures to ensure greater gender parity and inclusion in STEM fields
19.3.2024
Question for written answer E-000838/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Radka Maxová (S&D), Eleni Stavrou (PPE), Stelios Kympouropoulos (PPE)
The fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) represent the cornerstone of research and innovation in the health sector in Europe. However, unlike other fields, there is a substantial gender gap at higher levels[1], with the share of female and vulnerable workers dropping significantly beyond PhD level.
Promoting gender equality and inclusion in STEM by supporting early-career researchers helps address the under-representation of women and vulnerable workers in these fields. This can contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive scientific community, thereby leading to more innovative solutions and better outcomes.
- 1.What measures are being taken to ensure greater gender parity and inclusion at post-doctoral levels in STEM fields?
- 2.Given that research and innovation in health technology typically has long turnover times due to multidisciplinarity and the involvement of patients and biomedical data, how is the Commission working to ensure equal access to opportunities and to support women and vulnerable workers in STEM careers so as to promote a more diverse and inclusive scientific community?
- 3.Is the Commission planning any new instruments to support researchers and principal investigators following career breaks with dedicated financial instruments?
Submitted:19.3.2024
- [1] European Commission, SHE Figures Report , 2021, at https://ec.europa.eu/research-andinnovation/en/knowledge-publications-tools-and-data/interactive-reports/she-figures-2021.