COST Action IMMUPARKNET is pleased to present its Gender Equality Plan (GEP) 2025, a strategic document that reflects on the progress made and sets out future actions to promote an inclusive and diverse working environment, which is essential for scientific innovation. This report was prepared by Marta Camacho, appointed as IMMUPARKNET’s Gender Equality Lead, with the collaboration of Simona Poletti, who serves as the Science Communication Coordinator.
Key Achievements: Exceeding Diversity Targets
IMMUPARKNET has met and exceeded several diversity targets set by the global COST Action network:
- 59.6% of the 277 total members are from an Inclusiveness Target Country (ITC),
surpassing the 50% target. This reflects a 14.3% increase in members from ITC compared to the previous year - The representation of young researchers is balanced, standing at 57.4%, a figure higher than the 40% target of the COST Action network.
- The Action also boasts significant extra-European representation, with members from Turkey (n=68), Israel (n=2), United States of America (n=2), Chile (n=1), and Azerbaijan (n=1)
The Challenge of Gender Balance
Currently, women constitute the majority of IMMUPARKNET’s membership (63.6% of total members). Consequently, men are identified as the underrepresented sex in the structure, consistent with the general trend of a female majority in COST Actions.
Although the leadership of the two chairs and two staff members is balanced (50% male, 50% female), women are in a clear majority among the five Working Group Leaders (80%).
Actions undertaken in 2024 showed moderate effectiveness in male recruitment, with a 25.3% increase in new male members over the last year, compared to a 23.1% increase in female members. However, it is recognized that efforts were insufficient to achieve a more balanced gender distribution.
Plan of Action for 2026: Bridging the Gap
To address the current imbalance, the 2026 plan of action focuses on increasing male participation:
- Members and committees will be explicitly briefed on the gender balance objective and encouraged to prioritize high-quality applications from the underrepresented gender where scientific merit is equal.
- The plan is to identify research sub-fields (e.g., Computational Neuroscience, AI/Machine Learning, Neuropharmacology) traditionally male-dominated within inflammation and Parkinson’s disease, to directly contact and invite male-identifying researchers to join the action.
- Management Committee members will be asked to actively recommend and personally invite 2-3 male colleagues or former male trainees from their professional network
IMMUPARKNET reaffirms its commitment to building capacity and raising awareness on gender equality, aiming to ensure balanced representation across all its structures and activities.
Contact for Suggestions and Questions:
IMMUPARKNET’s Gender Equality Lead, Marta Camacho (msc72@cam.ac.uk), kindly invites all COST Action members to contact her with suggestions and questions regarding the GEP.
