Coimbra Group shares recent work on strengthening gender equity and diversity in research
29 October 2026
The Coimbra Group was pleased to contribute to the final conference of COST Cross-Cutting Activity (CCA) ‘Supporting the career development of young researchers’ held in Brussels on 28-29 October 2026. The event brought together researchers, policy-makers, experts and European stakeholders to discuss how Europe can foster more attractive, sustainable and inclusive research careers.
As part of the panel discussion on “Gender Equity and Fostering Diversity in Research”, Siobán O’Brien Green, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Trinity College Dublin and Chair of the Coimbra Group Equality & Diversity Working Group, highlighted our network’s longstanding commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in higher education.
During her intervention, she presented several recent initiatives of the Coimbra Group Equality & Diversity WG, including the publication of “Why EDI Matters“, a collective volume featuring contributions from academics and researchers at different career stage and the perspective from the European Students’ Union (ESU), a key partner of the Coimbra Group. The book demonstrates the importance of embedding EDI principles throughout the higher education and research systems and ensuring that diverse voices help shape institutional cultures and policies.
She also showcased the recently launched Horizon Europe-funded REFLECT (Researching Equity and Fairness in Lived Experiences and Career Trajectories) project. By generating robust intersectional evidence on research careers across Europe, the project aims to deepen understanding of how researchers experience career progression, working conditions and inclusion throughout their professional journeys. Its findings will support universities, research organisations and policy-makers in developing more equitable and inclusive research environments.
She further mentioned the Poitiers-Granada Declaration, emphasising its value as a framework for strengthening collaboration between universities and local authorities. The Declaration offers a platform for fostering closer dialogue between Rectors, Mayors and other local government leaders around the public mission of universities and their contribution to society. Such engagement can help align institutional and local priorities while ensuring that EDI are embedded within shared strategies, partnerships and community initiatives. Drawing on Trinity College Dublin’s experience, Siobán O’Brien Green also shared in the panel a range of measures and initiatives designed to support early-career researchers.
The conference provided a valuable forum for exchanging perspectives and good practices on the future of research careers in Europe, while reaffirming that EDI are integral to a fully functioning European Research Area (ERA). Through the work of its Equality & Diversity WG and its active contribution to the ERA Structural Policy on Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA, notably with an intersectional approach and to the ERA Structural Policy on Careers (2025-2027), the Coimbra Group continues to contribute to shaping a more equitable European higher education and research landscape.
