Contribute to the first EU Action Plan for Women in Research, Innovation and Startups

The European Commission invites citizens, businesses, policymakers, academics, and NGOs to contribute to the Action Plan for Women in Research, Innovation, and Start-ups. The call for evidence will remain open for contributions until 23 February 2026. Announced by Commissioner Zaharieva during her European Parliament Hearings in November 2024, the Action Plan aims to establish the EU as the world's most attractive destination for women in these fields by 2030.

As emphasised by President von der Leyen in her recent State of the Union speech, "Science has no passport, gender, ethnicity, or political colour. It is one of the most valuable global goods." This action plan will tap into the EU's diverse talent pool, driving sustainable competitiveness and innovation. It will address persisting challenges in achieving gender equality and propose actions to improve working conditions and career development perspectives for women in research, innovation and start-ups.

The Action Plan will echo the Choose Europe initiative , which showcases Europe's excellent research conditions, high quality of life and strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, as it aims to establish the EU as the world's most attractive place for women in research and innovation by 2030.

Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva said:

"We want women in research, innovation, and startups to see their future in Europe. That is why we are making Europe the place where their ambition is best supported. Our commitment to gender equality is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential to our competitiveness and to the excellence of our research."

Designing the strategy together

The call for evidence provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including experts and the general public, to share their views and help design this Action Plan.

The Commission is seeking for input related to women in research, innovation, and start-ups to understand:

• Barriers to women's participation in research and innovation
• Drivers for women to pursue STEM careers and/or in the innovation sector
• Consequences of underrepresentation and gender inequalities in the R&I sector
• Impact of strategies at EU, national, and institutional levels to promote gender equality

The call for evidence is available on the Commission's 'Have your Say' portal in all official EU languages and will close on the 23 February 2026.

More information

Gender equality in research and innovation

SheFigures 2024