On 12 October, the European Research Council (ERC) published a call for proposals under the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (the “Ideas” work programme 2012, Coordination and Support Action scheme) with the aim to support ERC monitoring and evaluation strategy on gender aspects in career structures and career paths.

Specifically, the focus of the studies to be funded should be on gender aspects in career structures and career paths of male and female ERC grantees and non-successful ERC applicants, as well as of potential applicants that never apply as a control group. The studies should be relevant for the Starting Grant Life Science domain and may include: 

• differences in terms of publications, invitations to conferences, citations, positions, teaching, funding, or recruitment; 
• differences in mobility behaviour and international networking;
• career impact of work balance, family background or specific support measures of ERC host institutions (e.g. spouses, child care, moving allowances); 
• career breaks and unconventional career paths; and 
• future career perspectives taking into account national research systems.

Project durations of up to one year can be carried out by at least one independent legal entity established in one of the member states or associated countries. Applications from International European interest organisations (e.g. CERN and EMBL) or the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and legal entities established in third countries are also eligible. Legal entities established in third countries can be funded if their participation is essential for carrying out the action. The exact eligibility criteria and the nature of activities to be funded can be consulted in the call fiche and in the “Ideas” work programme 2012 on the website of the European Commission.

European Commission