Deliverable 3.2 Baseline document on current and future RFO preventive measures on GBV and SH

Abstract

The main objective of the report is to develop knowledge and recommendations, beyond the results of the GENDERACTIONplus D3.1, on Research Funding Organisations (RFO) engagement in, and possible strategies for, ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) in R&I in the European Research Area (ERA). Methods used in developing a baseline document for this objective consists of revisiting the overall ERA policy framework on GBV, analysing benchmark survey results focusing on RFOs, discussing the results of the research review from task 3.1, engaging with key RFO stakeholders, formulating a RELIEF model for RFOs mitigating GBV, and finally conducting a Mutual Learning Workshop (MLW) on GBV with RFOs. Overall results are discussed in each section and two core arguments are developed from this work as to why RFOs are instrumental in engaging in mitigating GBV in the ERA: • Meritocracy as the leading principle for quality in research, as ensured through assessing and rewarding the best researchers and applications, is undermined by the existence of GBV in research and education. • Ethical research conduct is dependent on zero-tolerance to and the non-existence of GBV in research and education. Several important conclusions follow from the work done, pinpointing concrete strategies and activities proposed for RFOs:

• Develop core procedures within RFOs Work with a RELIEF model – described in detail in the report – as a baseline starting point for an institutional framework for implementing concrete measures. This work should include thinking through each key area in more depth to develop the importance and relevance of the model for a particular RFO, develop concrete measures for each part of the model, and identify and include dilemmas and risks in working with the model. Introduce and/or develop new policies on GBV targeting the actual problems defined through working with the RELIEF model in more detail. Use the UniSAFE 7P model and other ERA policy framework developments to move the agenda on ending GBV in RPOs forward.

• Build strong partnerships with other stakeholders Create partnerships between RFOs within and across national contexts. Develop partnerships between RFOs, RPOs, national authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Establish both formal and informal networks and continued mutual learning using expert knowledge and competencies on GBV.

• Ensure continuous knowledge and awareness raising Compile a digital course based on up-to-date and relevant research on GBV in RPO, targeting RFOs. Compile digital material with knowledge and practice from RFOs on how to work with the issue of GBV in relation to RPOs applying for funding. Turn the RELIEF model and the UniSAFE 7P model into an online portal, hosted by, for example, Global Research Council (GRC) or Science Europe, where stakeholders can contribute with concrete examples of policy developments, strategies, activities and networks. Develop training sessions on GBV targeting potential and actual grant holders. • Establish long-term funding of research on GBV To-the-point research, with results and recommendations for policy development in RFOs, is needed to develop the existing policy framework on GBV in ERA. Both national authorities, national RFOs and the European Commission (EC) should fund research and research programmes focusing on RFOs as an important stakeholder in the work against GBV in RPOs.

• Further progress necessary for policy development on GBV Include GBV as a mandatory requirement in GEPs, as one way of engaging RFOs in mitigating GBV. Propose an overarching ERA Code of Conduct as a crucial guide for RFOs as to why and how to take on the work of ending GBV. Finally, the report also envisages the need to further develop policy frameworks as part of an overarching ERA infrastructure for mitigating GBV, targeting RFO engagement. The proposed ERA infrastructure for RFOs is already described in detail in D3.1. The RELIEF model and the UniSAFE 7Ps recommendations for RFOs – as described in this deliverable – are instrumental in setting both an institutional framework and a systematic logic for relevant actions. A mandatory GEP requirement on GBV is a vital component in this holistic approach, without which it will be difficult to achieve commitment among RFOs, as well as possibilities for systematic monitoring and evaluation of progress in ending GBV in ERA.