The HBP aims to play a pioneering role in advancing gender equality by targeting a balanced share of male and female scientists in research teams and decision-making, as well as promoting awareness of gender equality in research and innovation. One of the main challenges will be to increase the number of women in higher positions, in particular in governing bodies and in education activities.

Over the next two years, foundations will be laid for a comprehensive and sustainable gender strategy for the entire term of the HBP. The HBP is supported in this challenging task by EAF Berlin, an independent, non-profit research and consulting organization.

The activities planned for the next 15 months include:

• An online survey of all HBP staff, the results of which will serve as a baseline to ensure that future policies can be aligned with identified needs and barriers. Both female and male scientists will be invited to share their experiences and recommendations.
• A good practice study and a database will collect innovative policies and existing measures from the collaborating partners and institutions in order to disseminate good practices and to raise awareness.
• In order to monitor gender equality activities and to transfer them into the entire HBP, a gender advisory committee, linked to the governing structures of the HBP, will be set up. A gender action plan with targets and milestones will be developed.
• Finally, a conference on gender perspectives will take place in 2018. 

The gender equality activities are coordinated by the Project Coordination Office in Geneva.

Founded as a spin-off of the Technical University of Berlin, the EAF Berlin has 20 years of experience of advising clients in the public and private sector, as well as in academia, on gender equality and diversity. For more information, visit www.eaf-berlin.de.