The European Campus of City Universities Alliance (EC2U) and the Research and Innovation for Cities and Citizens (RI4C2) Project are aligned with the European Commission as they both consider gender-related issues as a top priority for their Research and Innovation communities. The goal is to better recognise and dignify the various professions linked to science and innovation by supporting the scientific community in developing their careers with training and by alerting these professionals to the importance of gender issues in their daily tasks. To fulfil these objectives, different actions and activities are being implemented, such as the recording of the “Masterclasses for Gender Equality in R&I”. These online masterclasses bring together the EC2U Alliance’s and RI4C2 Project best practices and experts on Gender Equality.

Rita Alcaire is an anthropologist, documentary filmmaker, a social science communicator, and a postdoctoral researcher at the prestigious University of Coimbra. With a PhD in Human Rights and a Master’s in Cultural Psychiatry, Rita navigates the intricate landscapes of academia with finesse. Her research pursuits explore captivating domains, focusing on gender and sexualities, mental health, and the vibrant tapestry of pop culture with a unique approach, as she exploits the media as a dynamic conduit to explore and engage with these complex topics.

Daniela Ovadia is a science journalist, neuroscientist, and neuroethicist, University of Pavia. She studied medicine and neuroscience at Università Statale in Milan, Italy, and neuroethics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, US. She serves as the Co-director of the Neuroscience and Society Lab at the University of Pavia and is also the Scientific Director of Agenzia Zoe, an agency specialising in science journalism and writing.

Furthermore, she is a professor for doctoral students in ‘Ethics of Research and Responsible Research and Innovation’ and for undergraduate students in Psychology, teaching ‘Neuroethics’ and ‘Communication of Neuroscience’ at the University of Pavia in Italy.

The second Masterclass for Gender Equality in Research & Innovation with Daniela Ovadia:

This Gender Equality Masterclass aims at addressing the topic of the gender gap in science through the ethics of research approach: An overview of relevant data, current policies and best practices is carried out in order to provide an insight on one of the main contemporary challenges in research.

Catherine Rannoux is a Professor of French and stylistics at the University of Poitiers. In charge of the equality and diversity task force, she leads the gender equality and anti-discrimination policy at the University of Poitiers. She is also President of the select academic board, which is in charge of all matters related to teachers and researchers’ careers at the University of Poitiers.

The third Masterclass for Gender Equality in Research & Innovation with Catherine Rannoux:

The first part of this third masterclass on gender equality, given on behalf of the University of Poitiers, presents some of the measures and actions recently introduced by the University to promote gender equality and diversity, and to combat discrimination. The description of this structurally unfinished and increasingly demanding task is also an opportunity to share experiences and reflect, not only on how to think about a policy of substantive equality, but also on the role of the university in the contemporary world.

Albane Rozenholc is a PhD Student in Microbiology and Molecular biology at the University of Poitiers, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, in unit UMR 1070 « Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Agents ».

The third Masterclass for Gender Equality in Research & Innovation with Albane Rozenholc:

Albane Rozenholc’s part of the third masterclass for Gender Equality in Research aims to highlight women’s career paths in research and entrepreneurship, and to address stereotypes and gender inequality in these fields. It provides an overview of the “Sciences En Mouvement d’Elles” project through the account of Albane Rozenholc, a PhD student at the University of Poitiers, who is involved in this initiative.