GENDER EQUALITY PLAN - WEB VERSION
Last updated: 20 NOVEMBER 2025
1. Introduction
SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education is committed to promoting gender equality across all areas of its work, including governance, staffing, research, education, and project implementation.
This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) sets out our institutional commitments and aligns with EU requirements, including the Horizon Europe gender equality framework.
The full GEP document is available for download and is reviewed annually.
2. Governance & Responsibility
The implementation and monitoring of this Gender Equality Plan is overseen by:
The Senior Management Team, under the oversight of the Director.
This structure ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with SYNTHESIS’s mission and organisational development.
3. Workforce Gender Balance
SYNTHESIS currently demonstrates a predominantly female workforce, with one male staff member in a senior leadership role.
Gender-disaggregated staff data will be collected and updated annually.
4. Key Commitments
SYNTHESIS acts within five core areas required by EU frameworks:
4.1. Leadership & Decision-Making
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Maintain gender balance across management and decision-making roles
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Review representation annually
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Ensure equal access to leadership opportunities
4.2. Recruitment & Career Development
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Bias-free, transparent recruitment procedures
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Gender-neutral job descriptions
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Balanced shortlists where feasible
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Equal access to training and advancement
4.3. Work–Life Balance
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Flexible working arrangements
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Support for staff with caregiving or family responsibilities
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Zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and harassment
4.4. Gender Dimension in Research & Projects
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Integrate gender perspectives in project design, methodology, and dissemination
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Consider gendered impacts where relevant
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Promote inclusive and equitable research practices
4.5. Training & Awareness
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Annual training on gender equality and bias
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Orientation for new staff on GEP commitments
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Access to EU equality resources and tools
5. Anti-Harassment & Safeguarding
SYNTHESIS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for:
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harassment
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discrimination
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sexual harassment
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retaliation
Concerns can be raised confidentially with the Senior Management Team or Director and will be addressed promptly and fairly.
6. Monitoring & Reporting
We monitor progress through annual indicators, including:
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Gender composition of staff and leadership
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Recruitment and promotion data
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Participation in training and development
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Uptake of flexible work practices
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Integration of gender in research/project proposals
An updated GEP is published annually.
7. Transparency
This GEP is publicly available on the SYNTHESIS website and is included in project documentation where required.
The full Gender Equality Plan (PDF) is available for download for reference by partners, evaluators, and funding bodies.
8. Contact
For questions regarding this Gender Equality Plan, please contact: