The International Science Council (ISC), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES) are launching a new global initiative to assess and advance gender equality in scientific organizations.
Building on the 2015 and 2020 studies, this research will generate updated datasets and analytical insights on the representation and participation of women in science, medical, and engineering academies, as well as international scientific unions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study will integrate comprehensive quantitative and qualitative surveys, including semi-structured interviews, to examine the systemic barriers and enabling factors influencing women’s participation and leadership in scientific organizations worldwide.
As part of this initiative, we aim to identify and document existing policies, programmes, and best practices that promote gender equality in scientific organizations. This information will help inform the project by capturing past and current efforts, contributing to a collaborative database that facilitates knowledge exchange and guides future strategies.
To submit an initiative or a resource, please complete the form below.
Submit resources
The Expert Panel will provide strategic guidance, independent oversight, and expert review to ensure the scientific integrity and practical relevance of the project’s findings. Working alongside the project taskforce, panel members will validate data analysis, review draft reports, and refine evidence-based recommendations to advance gender equality in scientific organizations.
The Expert Panel will convene scientists with diverse expertise relevant to gender equality in science, research policy, institutional governance, and scientific leadership. Applications are particularly encouraged from social scientists and scientists with past or active roles in academies or unions.
Panel members may contribute in one or more of the following ways, depending on their expertise and experience:
Data review: Validating quantitative and qualitative data to ensure scientific rigor, accuracy, and relevance.
Shaping outcomes: Provide feedback on draft reports, helping refine findings and recommendations to be evidence-based, practical, and actionable for scientific organizations.
Ethical oversight: Ensuring the project follows ethical research standards and aligns with best practices in gender equality.
Stakeholder engagement: Help enhance the visibility and impact of the project’s outcomes through networks and events.
We anticipate that participation will require a maximum of 2 hours per week until the end of June, with the possibility of additional involvement during peak periods.
The call for applications is now closed. The project task force will review submissions based on expertise and ability to contribute. Selected experts will be contacted by the end of March.
For inquiries, please contact Léa Nacache at [email protected]
Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Read more about Advancing gender equality in scientific organizations 
Read more about International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 
Read more about Bringing change to science: Catherine Jami on the history of science and gender equality 
Read more about Transforming science organizations: The impact of women’s leadership on institutional reform 
