Women in Science 2026: Strengthening Inclusive Innovation in Transport
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, the FOREST project underscores the importance of gender equality in research and innovation as a driver of excellence, competitiveness, and sustainable transport transformation.
Europe’s transition to climate-neutral mobility requires not only technological advancement but also inclusive research ecosystems. While women represent nearly half of doctoral graduates across the European Union, their representation decreases at researcher level and remains significantly lower in senior academic, technical, and leadership positions. This imbalance is particularly visible in transport-related industries, where operational and engineering roles continue to be male-dominated.
As recently outlined by the European Research Executive Agency, structural barriers such as unconscious bias, unequal career progression, and limited access to leadership opportunities continue to hinder the full participation of women in research and innovation. Addressing these challenges is essential to unlocking Europe’s full scientific potential and achieving long-term competitiveness.
Under Horizon Europe, Gender Equality Plans have become a structural eligibility requirement for organisations applying for funding. These measures support institutional change by promoting balanced leadership, inclusive recruitment practices, improved working conditions, and the integration of the gender dimension into research design.
The FOREST project aligns with these European priorities by embedding inclusivity within its research and innovation framework. Running from December 2022 to May 2026, FOREST contributes to the decarbonisation of the transport sector through the development of advanced lightweight materials based on bio-derived chemistries and recycled carbon fibres. These innovations enhance circularity, energy efficiency, and multifunctional performance across automotive, aerospace, and public transport applications.
Within the project, gender equality is addressed through dedicated Gendered Innovation activities led by AIMPLAS, promoting balanced participation across research, management, and decision-making roles. This integrated approach ensures that inclusivity strengthens research quality and overall project impact.
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, FOREST recognises the essential contributions of women scientists and engineers across its consortium and the wider European research community. Strengthening gender equality remains fundamental to delivering resilient, innovative, and sustainable mobility systems.