The gender equality aspect was missing in the first national evaluation of the Quality Reform. This is evident in the government report on the reform.

Researchers are seeing a gradual shift towards greater diversity in European statistics. “She Figures” has reported on gender balance in research for over 20 years, and intersectionality is finally coming into its own. But be aware of some classic pitfalls, says researcher.

In order to achieve gender equality, we must change the structures in academia. This requires a systematic effort in which the top-level administration at each institution takes active part, according to Linda Marie Rustad, Senior Adviser for the Committee for Gender Balance in Research (KIF).

A lack of professional leadership is an obstacle to achieving gender equality in academia, according to Curt Rice, Vice Rector at the University of Tromsø. He is calling for stronger leadership and new ways of working. His first priority is to ensure that more women reach the top.

“The Kif committee does a crucial job. It will be exciting to serve on it,” says Elisabet Ljunggren, Senior Researcher at the Nordland Research Institute. Ljunggren is one of the members of the new Committee for Gender Balance in Research (the Kif committee).

The rectors of Norwegian universities and university colleges welcome the Research Council’s new initiative to promote women in research. 

Elisabeth Isaksson’s research field has been filled with bearded old men throughout its history, and up until the 1990s female researchers were denied access to stations in the polar region. But something has changed.

The majority of young girls reject science studies, but not everyone. What makes girls choose these male-dominated subjects? That is what Marianne Løken wants to find out.

New projects at the University of Tromsø aim to prevent dropout and improve grades among female students. "We want to show that there’s a place for everyone in the sciences," says the project’s leader.

"We are finding that we fill a gap," says Laila Bokhari, who is coordinator of Women and Security, one of the 15 new and existing networks gaining new impetus this spring with funding from the Committee for Mainstreaming – Women in Science.

More men than women receive funding when the Research Council of Norway grants money for outstanding research. Susanne Moen Stephansen has looked at how the attempts to bring more gender equality into these schemes have worked.

The Research Council of Norway is announcing the first call for proposals under its new Initiative on Gender Balance in Senior Positions and Research Management (BALANSE).

In recent years, the EU has set gender equality plan requirements and launched groundbreaking actions against violence in academia. Marcela Linková nevertheless warns against reactionary forces in the EU.

A new study from the University of Oslo sheds light on women’s career opportunities at the university. The study took its point of departure in an evaluation of the mentor scheme.