Driving Change: Gender Equality in Research and Policy with Tatyana Kmetova
In the 10th episode of the NEXUS Podcast, we talk with Tatyana Kmetova, Executive Director of the Center of Women’s Studies and Policies (CWSP), about advancing gender equality in academia and research. She shares her experiences in shaping policies, supporting women in science, and building inclusive institutional practices across Europe.
The NEXUS Final Conference: “Fostering Sustainable Change – Effective Policy and Practice for Inclusive Gender Equality in Europe” brought together researchers, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across Europe to reflect on the progress, challenges, and future of inclusive gender equality in research and innovation.
Over four insightful sessions, experts shared lessons learned from twinning initiatives, discussed barriers and opportunities in widening countries, explored what works in communities of practice, and identified key policy gaps and recommendations for the future.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants who contributed to this important conversation — and to everyone who joined us online to celebrate the results and impact of the NEXUS Project. 💫
Together, we continue building a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient European Research Area! 💪🇪🇺
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #HorizonEurope #EUResearchandInnovation #ERA #EqualityInScience
We’re proud to share that the NEXUS Project was presented at the scientific seminar “Good Practices for the Application of High-tech Tools in Teaching Mathematics, Informatics and IT”, hosted by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.
The event brought together educators and researchers to discuss innovative methods for integrating technology into education. The NEXUS team highlighted how inclusive gender equality and digital transformation go hand in hand in shaping the future of research and learning environments.
A big thank you to all participants for the engaging discussions and to Sofia University for hosting such an inspiring event! 🌍💡
#NEXUSProject #InclusiveGenderEquality #DigitalEducation #Innovation #EUResearchandInnovation #HorizonEurope
We’re excited to share the 10th edition of the NEXUS Newsletter, featuring highlights from the Final Conference, updates from our partners, and inspiring stories from across Europe on advancing inclusive gender equality in research and innovation.
This issue also includes the 10th NEXUS Podcast with Tatyana Kmetova, Executive Director of the Center of Women’s Studies and Policies (CWSP) — don’t miss her insights on bridging policy and practice for lasting impact!
👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://nexusproject.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nexus-Newsletter-9-1.pdf
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #EUResearchandInnovation #HorizonEurope#EUResearchandInnovation
Session 4: Policy Gaps, Developments and Recommendations
🗣️ Moderator: Lina Donnarumma – IIT
The final session of the NEXUS Conference wrapped up the event with a forward-looking discussion on policy gaps, developments, and recommendations for advancing inclusive gender equality across Europe.
Under the moderation of Lina Donnarumma, the panel brought together experts and policymakers who shared reflections on lessons learned from NEXUS and other EU initiatives — identifying areas where stronger policy coordination, sustained funding, and institutional commitment are needed to turn equality plans into lasting change.
The conversation highlighted the importance of bridging research and policy, ensuring that inclusive gender equality remains a key priority in the evolving European Research Area (ERA).
💡 The session concluded with a collective call to action: continue building on the NEXUS legacy to strengthen collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and sustainable gender equality practices in research and innovation.
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #PolicyChange #HorizonEurope #ERA #ResearchPolicy #EUResearchandInnovation #NEXUSFinalConference
Session 3: Communities of Practice for Inclusive Gender Equality in PROs – What Works?
The third session of the NEXUS Final Conference brought together inspiring experiences and lessons learned from Communities of Practice (CoPs) working to advance inclusive gender equality in research performing organisations (PROs) with moderator Petroula Mavricou from Frederick University.
Speakers reflected on what has truly worked in fostering collaboration, peer learning, and institutional transformation — highlighting how CoPs serve as vital engines of change by connecting practitioners, sharing know-how, and strengthening collective impact across Europe.
The discussion showcased practical tools, mutual learning processes, and the importance of trust and engagement in making gender equality efforts both sustainable and effective.
🌿 The session underlined that inclusive transformation grows stronger through shared experience and cooperation.
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #CommunitiesOfPractice #HorizonEurope #PolicyChange #EUResearchandInnovation #NEXUSFinalConference
Session 2: Inclusive Gender Equality in EU Widening and Associated Countries – Opportunities, Barriers and Ways Forward
On 23 September, the NEXUS Final Conference continued with a powerful discussion moderated by Kinga Sekerdej (AGH University of Krakow). The session focused on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by widening and associated countries in advancing inclusive gender equality within research and innovation ecosystems.
Speakers shared valuable insights into policy frameworks, institutional barriers, and successful strategies for promoting sustainable and context-sensitive gender equality practices across Europe.
🌍 The exchange highlighted how collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing can drive lasting change in diverse research environments.
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #HorizonEurope #PolicyChange #WideningCountries #NEXUSFinalConference #EUResearchandInnovation
🌍 Session 1: Twinning Initiatives for Inclusive Gender Equality – Benefits and Challenges
The NEXUS Final Conference began with an inspiring discussion moderated by Maria Sangiuliano (Smart Venice, Italy). The session explored how twinning initiatives serve as powerful tools to strengthen collaboration, exchange good practices, and foster institutional change towards inclusive gender equality in research organisations across Europe.
Speakers reflected on both the benefits and challenges of these partnerships, highlighting the importance of shared learning, adaptability, and sustained cooperation.
💡 A big thank you to all panelists and participants for setting such a strong and engaging tone for the conference!
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #InclusiveResearch #HorizonEurope #ResearchImpact #TwinningInitiatives #NEXUSFinalConference
We were proud to present the NEXUS Policy Brief “Advancing Inclusive Gender Equality Plans: Policy Insights from the NEXUS Project” already presented at the International Final Conference in Krakow “Fostering sustainable change: Effective policy and practice for inclusive gender equality in Europe”.
The Brief reflects two years of work across 9 institutions and multiple countries, combining intersectional and intersectoral perspectives to redefine what Gender Equality Plans can achieve.
It highlights:
🔹 Key barriers to sustainable equality actions
🔹 Innovative and replicable practices piloted in the project
🔹 Recommendations and policy implications for institutions, policymakers, and agencies at European and national level
The Policy Brief demonstrates that GEPs are not just compliance tools — they can be living instruments for cultural and structural transformation in the European Research Area.
👉 The Policy Brief is available on the NEXUS website and on Zenodo.
Keep in touch and stay tuned!
#NEXUSproject #PolicyBrief #GenderEquality #ResearchInnovation #HorizonEurope
From advancing inclusive Gender Equality Plans to fostering sustainable institutional change — the NEXUS Actions highlight how collaboration, knowledge sharing, and commitment can drive progress across Europe. 🌍✨ TU Dublin
Watch our new video to explore how NEXUS partners worked together to create meaningful change in research and academia.
📺 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXk5IWfdAuM
#NEXUSProject #GenderEquality #ResearchInnovation #EUProjects #InclusiveAcademia #HorizonEurope #EUResearchandInnovation