Gender equality is a core principle of Horizon Europe and an important consideration within Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). It shapes not only who participates in research, but also how research questions are defined, how data is collected and analysed, and whether resulting innovations respond to the needs of different groups in society.
For Horizon Europe applicants, this means looking beyond gender balance within the consortium. When relevant to the research topic, the gender dimension should be integrated into the objectives, methodology, data collection and analysis, indicators, expected outcomes and impact of the project. An intersectional perspective can further strengthen this approach by considering how gender interacts with factors such as age, disability, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
This guide explains how to integrate the gender dimension into a Horizon Europe proposal, particularly in Part B, and provides practical examples for incorporating gender-responsive approaches throughout the research process.
Gender equality in Horizon Europe encompasses multiple dimensions, influencing both the content of research and innovation projects and the composition of research teams.
It is important to distinguish between two related but different concepts:
Gender dimension in R&I content refers to how sex and/or gender may influence the research question, methodology, data, technologies, products, services, users and expected outcomes.
Gender balance refers to representation and equal opportunities among women and men within research teams and decision-making positions.
In Part B of a Horizon Europe proposal, the gender dimension is evaluated as part of the project’s scientific excellence and is typically addressed in Section 1.2 (Methodology).
However, it should not be treated as an isolated paragraph within the methodology section. When relevant, gender considerations should be reflected throughout the proposal – from the objectives and research design to implementation, indicators, expected outcomes and impact.
If gendered aspects are relevant, applicants should clearly explain how they will be addressed at different stages of the project. If they are not relevant, this should be justified.
In addition, Horizon Europe seeks to improve gender balance across the programme, with gender balance within research teams potentially considered in the ranking of proposals with equal scores.
Proposals are also encouraged to apply an intersectional perspective, recognising that gender can interact with factors such as disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and socioeconomic status to shape experiences, needs and outcomes.
Applicants should therefore consider concrete methodologies such as gender-disaggregated data, assessment of gender-related impacts and diverse participant representation.
Responsible Research and Innovation is about ensuring that research and innovation processes and outcomes are responsive to societal needs, values and expectations. Gender equality and inclusive research design contribute directly to this objective.
Integrating the gender dimension can help researchers identify differences in needs, experiences, behaviours and impacts that might otherwise be overlooked. Combined with intersectionality, stakeholder participation and inclusive research methods, this can lead to research and innovation that is more socially relevant, equitable and responsive to diverse users.
In practice, applying RRI principles means asking not only “Can we develop this solution?” but also: Who is it designed for? Whose needs are represented? Who might benefit or be disadvantaged? Have different perspectives been considered in its development?
STEP 1: BUILD GENDER INSIGHTS INTO RESEARCH DESIGN
1.1 Evaluate Gender Analysis Requirements: Ensure your proposal includes a thorough analysis of gender differences in needs and challenges where these differences are relevant to the research topic.
How to address this in your proposal
A project proposal on AI tools for hate speech detection should address gender bias in algorithmic design. Research shows that AI trained on biased data often misclassifies or overlooks hate speech targeting women, people of colour and gender-diverse individuals. By analysing gender-specific hate speech patterns and using diverse datasets, a project like this could improve detection accuracy and promote inclusivity. This approach strengthens your proposal’s impact, aligns with Horizon Europe priorities and enhances its evaluation. It also supports broader efforts to combat hate speech and systemic digital inequalities.
1.2 Data Requirements: Use both qualitative and quantitative data to highlight gender-related trends when relevant. Gender-disaggregated quantitative data can reveal differences between groups, while qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups can help explain why those differences exist.
How to address this in your proposal
A hypothetical Horizon Europe proposal could focus on addressing gender gaps in mental health research and treatment. Research indicates differences in diagnosis, treatment and experiences of healthcare across genders, while evidence concerning non-binary and gender-diverse individuals remains comparatively limited.
A project could therefore investigate gaps in healthcare provision and explore more tailored approaches.
Combining quantitative evidence with qualitative insights can provide a more complete picture of gender-related disparities and lived experiences. An intersectional analysis can further examine how gender interacts with factors such as disability, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
1.3 Alignment with Gender Equality Goals: Demonstrate how your project supports relevant European, national or regional gender equality policies and initiatives.
How to address this in your proposal
Energy poverty, for example, can affect different groups differently depending on employment, income, household responsibilities and access to resources. A proposal addressing this issue could integrate gender-responsive measures and inclusive research methods while connecting its approach to relevant European and international equality and sustainability objectives.
Policy alignment should not be included simply as a list of strategies. Explain how the project’s activities or expected outcomes concretely contribute to those objectives.
STEP 2: OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS
2.1 Align Gender with Project Objectives: Where gender is relevant, show how it is reflected in the project’s objectives rather than mentioning it only within the methodology.
For example, a project aimed at increasing participation in STEM could establish objectives around improving access to mentorship, training and support for groups that are currently underrepresented. A strong objective should make it possible to understand what gender-related change the project intends to achieve.
2.2 Use Gender-Disaggregated Indicators: Where appropriate, indicators should allow the consortium to identify whether project activities and outcomes affect different groups differently.
For example, a study on cardiovascular disease could analyse intervention times and health outcomes by sex and gender. Disaggregating the data may reveal disparities that would remain hidden within aggregated results.
Similarly, an agricultural project could establish measurable indicators related to participation in training, access to resources, use of services and productivity among different groups.
The purpose of disaggregation is not simply to collect more data. It is to understand whether the project is producing equitable outcomes and identify where corrective action may be needed.
STEP 3: RESOURCE UTILISATION AND EQUAL ACCESS
3.1 Ensure Equitable Access: Outline how project resources will support equal access for different groups.
For example, research into transport planning may identify differences in mobility patterns and perceptions of safety. Collecting data disaggregated by gender and other intersectional factors can help planners identify specific vulnerabilities and prioritise solutions such as improved lighting, accessibility or transport connections.
This links the gender dimension with a broader RRI question: are the resources, services and innovations developed by the project accessible and beneficial to the different groups they are intended to serve?
3.2 Consider Access to Services, Resources and Investment: Proposals should consider whether different target groups face barriers to accessing financial resources, services, technologies or investments.
For example, research into hearing-aid technologies could examine whether usage, user experience and perceived benefits differ across demographic groups.
Rather than assuming one solution works equally well for everyone, an inclusive R&D approach can combine diverse user participation, real-world testing and user-centred design to identify differences in needs and improve accessibility.
Where relevant, these activities should also be reflected in project planning and budgeting—for example, by allocating resources for inclusive recruitment, stakeholder engagement, accessibility measures or gender expertise.
STEP 4: TEAM COMPOSITION
4.1 Ensure Gender Balance and Equal Opportunities in Research Teams: Horizon Europe encourages gender balance and equal opportunities within research teams, particularly in decision-making positions.
This should be considered separately from the gender dimension in R&I content: having a gender-balanced consortium does not automatically mean that the research itself adequately considers gender. Likewise, a strong gender analysis does not remove the need to consider equality within the project team.
For example, a project focusing on sustainable construction and demolition waste management could promote representation of women in technical and decision-making roles while also creating mentoring opportunities for researchers entering a sector in which women remain underrepresented.
Projects can also consider inclusive working conditions, transparent decision-making, equal access to leadership opportunities and mechanisms for monitoring participation throughout implementation.
STEP 5: MONITORING AND EVALUATION
5.1 Integrate Gender into Monitoring: Gender considerations should continue after the proposal has been funded.
Where relevant, projects should monitor whether their gender-related objectives are being achieved throughout implementation.
This can include gender-disaggregated data, dedicated indicators, stakeholder feedback, gender audits and integration of gender considerations into the project’s broader evaluation framework. Tools such as the Gender Equality Audit and Monitoring (GEAM) framework can support organisations in assessing gender equality.
5.2 Establish Corrective Measures: Projects should also outline how they will respond if monitoring identifies inequalities or unexpected gender-related impacts.
For example, if a project finds that women are significantly underrepresented in technical roles or that particular groups are not participating meaningfully in stakeholder activities, the consortium could review its recruitment, engagement or working practices and introduce targeted measures.
This reflects an important RRI principle: responsible research requires the capacity to reflect on evidence, respond to emerging societal issues and adapt project activities when necessary.
Before submitting your proposal, ask:
1. Could sex or gender affect the research question, problem or proposed solution?
2. Is the gender dimension reflected in the methodology where relevant?
3. Will relevant data be disaggregated by sex and/or gender?
4. Have intersectional factors been considered?
5. Are diverse users and stakeholders appropriately represented?
6. Do project objectives and indicators capture relevant gender-related effects?
7. Are gender considerations reflected in expected outcomes and impact?
8. Have appropriate resources been allocated to implement these activities?
9. Has gender balance and equal opportunity within the research team been considered?
10. If the gender dimension is not relevant, has this been clearly justified?
Anna Palaiologk
Founder of Future Needs, is a Research & Innovation Consultant with 18 years of experience in proposal writing and project management. She has worked as a project Coordinator and Work Package leader in 30+ EU projects and has authored 50+ successful proposals. Her research background is in economics, business development and policy-making.
