SEE-ERA (Transforming R&I organisations and advancing the ERA through gender equality and inclusiveness in SEE)Project Kicks Off

The SEE-ERA project (Transforming R&I organisations and advancing the ERA through gender equality and inclusiveness in SEE) officially launched on February 1st, 2025. On February 10-11, the project’s partners, Advisory Board members, and representatives from the European Commission (Project Officer & Policy Officer) came together for a dynamic two-day online kickoff meeting. The event marked the beginning of the project which aims to advance gender equality and inclusiveness in research and innovation across South East Europe.

Funded under the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-01), SEE-ERA is a three-year project, bringing together 10 partners from six European countries (Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and the UK).

A Collaborative Start to Transform Research Organisations

The kickoff meeting saw active participation from project partners, Advisory Board members, and representatives from the European Commission (Project Officer & Policy Officer). It was an exciting start, with discussions focusing on the following key topics:

· Insights into SEE-ERA’s Work Packages & Tasks

· Reflection on strategic objectives to guide the project’s impact across South East Europe

· Planning for the next steps and setting the stage for an engaging three-year journey

These discussions laid the groundwork for the collaborative efforts ahead, highlighting the project’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusiveness in research and innovation (R&I) processes across the region.

SEE-ERA project will work closely with five Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and two Research Funding Organisations (RFOs) in Greece, Albania, Croatia, and Romania, aiming to create lasting institutional change. To achieve its goals, SEE-ERA will:

✔ Strengthen gender equality knowledge & skills through tailored mentoring and training programmes in South East Europe.

✔ Create a Community of Practice that promotes mutual learning between stakeholders from South East and Northern Europe.

✔ Advance gender-inclusive innovation by supporting the integration of gender perspectives in research commercialisation processes.

✔ Implement a robust GEP monitoring & evaluation framework to ensure long-term institutional change.

By empowering research organisations and embedding intersectional and inclusive gender equality measures, SEE-ERA contributes to strengthening research careers, enhancing knowledge valorisation, and building more inclusive and resilient R&I ecosystems across South East Europe.