Umweltbundesamt
Click to enlargeA look at the CASRI Ethics, Gender and Diversity Plan, demonstrates the importance of diversity and inclusion dynamics in the CASRI project. It unites Environment Protection Agencies and partners across Europe to address sustainability and innovation research challenges collaboratively.
Through the implementation of the Ethics, Gender, and Diversity Plan, CASRI hopes to foster gender diversity and balance in research and innovation actions. By aligning with the EU’s commitments to gender equality, the plan goes beyond simple metrics of gender balance, indeed emphasizing qualitative aspects.
The project has 60% female participation and 40% male participation as of June 2024. Leadership roles are split equally between men and women.
The CASRI Ethics, Gender, and Diversity Plan emphasizes a qualitative approach to gender balance, focusing on empowering both men and women equally. It ensures equal opportunities for leadership and participation in co-design and decision-making phases. Some of the key qualitative focus of the plan include:
Gender and diversity considerations are systematically integrated into the process for selecting relevant research topics for the Research & Innovation Agenda, a crucial aspect to ensure inclusivity and ethical standards in scientific work. For instance, national environmental protection ministries and agencies as well as expert organizations involved in the project adopt a methodology that takes gender balance into account when collecting and analysing scientific data. This approach ensures that the data is not only scientifically rigorous but also reflects a broad, inclusive perspective that values diverse gender viewpoints. Moreover, the integration of these principles goes beyond data collection: it extends to setting research priorities, selecting participants for interviews and workshops, and designing strategic innovation policies. By doing so, the project promotes gender equality and establishes a solid foundation for ethically responsible and socially aware innovation. CASRI aims to shape a future of science that reflects diversity and equality.
Building on this framework, CASRI has taken further steps to put these principles into practice. One key area here is the creation of a supportive work environment that acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, particularly for those with caregiving responsibilities. As such, remote networking and flexible work arrangements are part of the project’s day-to-day operations, providing an inclusive environment, regardless of gender.
In case of parental leave or other career breaks, CASRI ensures ongoing communication: affected employees are kept informed about opportunities and changes within the project. This helps maintain a sense of inclusion and belonging, even when personal circumstances may lead to temporary absences.
Beyond the internal guidelines, CASRI extends its commitment to gender equality to the design of its public events and strives for a balanced ratio of female and male speakers and presenters. This policy emphasises the project's commitment to gender equality and provides a role model for future generations of researchers and innovators.
Linda Maring and Bart Rijken – from the CASRI partner Deltares – support compliance with EU requirements for gender balance within the project as members of the CASRI Gender Task Force. In fact, appointed as persons of trust, they act as a point of contact on gender related matters whenever project members need to discuss them.
CASRI sets up a Gender Task Force that has the function of initiating, coordinating and monitoring Ethics, Gender, and Diversity Plan actions. Coming from different backgrounds and experiences, the members of this task force have the role of advising the coordinator or partners on active participation in training and awareness activities, with the main goal of challenging myths and stereotypes related to gender.
Therefore, the members of the task force can join training sessions on gender-and diversity-sensitive research provided by the European Commission, and then share the awareness gained on the topics with all CASRI partners.
An annual Ethics, Gender, and Diversity Plan report will be drawn up by the members of the task force with the aim of documenting the actions undertaken and the results achieved both at general level and in relation to the main bodies. During the annual project meetings, a session will be always dedicated to share the latest practices and promote inclusion and gender balance.
By emphasizing awareness, ongoing education, and meaningful action, CASRI ensures that gender equality is not merely a statistical goal but a foundational principle that informs every aspect of the project’s work. Through its comprehensive Ethics, Gender, and Diversity Plan, CASRI is creating an environment where all participants, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to contribute, lead, and succeed. This approach sets a powerful example for future research and innovation initiatives, demonstrating that true diversity and inclusivity are achieved through more than just numbers. These values are embedded in the culture of the project.
Please have a look at the full report.
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
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