Global Call to Action for Mothers in Science: Action Plan for Funding Agencies
In 2023, the international non-profit organization Mothers in Science () launched a global call to action outlining a set of specific and actionable strategies to promote inclusion of caregivers and close the gender gap in research funding, with multiple good practices collected and shared. It urges research funders worldwide to begin taking meaningful action and use this action plan as guidance to improve their practices and to cultivate a culture of fairness and inclusion more broadly in the STEMM sector. The recommended actions include:
(1) Provide financial support to ensure research continuity,
(2) Provide flexibility to parents and caregivers,
(3) Eliminate bias and discrimination,
(4) Simplify grant applications and reform the evaluation process,
(5) Measure and monitor diversity and inclusion, and
(6) Implement support for COVID-19 impact.
Read the organization¡¯s policy recommendations and suggested best practices for funding agencies to promote inclusion of caregivers:
For further information on best practices to promote caregiver inclusion in research funding and research institutions:
Dr Isabel Torres (Mothers in Science)