GS17 Programme

17th Gender Summit – Europe, 3-4 October 2019, Amsterdam
in partnership with OCW, KNAW, NWO, TNO, VSNU, VH, LNVH, VHTO, Elsevier Foundation​
Driving academic innovation through diversity and inclusion:
Towards a more diverse and inclusive scientific environment to enhance equity and excellence.​
Day 0 - 2nd October 2019
Gender Summit 17 OPENING NIGHT - YOU ARE INVITED!
The Gender Summit warmly welcomes all participants, speakers and guests of the Summit to the special opening night at the Griffioen Theatre of the VU University Amsterdam. Please join us to get to know other participants, network and get the discussions started. Please note that this session is also open to academics (students, academic and supportstaf) not attending the Gender Summit.

Moderator: Ingeborg van der Ven, freelance journalist, researcher and moderator

N.B. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – This is an optional side-event and not part of the core programme. It therefore requires seperate registration and is not automatically provided as part of your Gender Summit registration.  If you are interested in seeing the play, please register on this webpage.
19:30–19:35 Word of Welcome - Mirjam van Praag, President, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
19:35–20:15 Play #MeToo in Academia: THE LEARNING CURVE by the international science theatergroup ‘Het Acteursgenootschap’ (more information here).
20:15–20:45 Setting the tone for the main programme: interactive debat with audience on cultural change in academia
Panel members:
  • Su Nandy, Culture Innovation Consultant, Imperial College London
  • Paulina Snijders, Vice-president of the executive board, Tilburg University
  • Agathe Cherbit-Langer, Primary Founder and Head of Operations, Our Bodies, Our Voice (University of Amsterdam)
Day 1 –  3rd October 2019 (Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam)
Theme 1.National frameworks to advance gender balance, diversity and inclusion in science and research
8:15–9:00 Arrivals - refreshments
9:00–9:10 Welcome address – Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ingrid van Engelshoven
9:10–9:35 Keynote
Belle Derks, Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology at Utrecht University and chair of The Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.
9:35–10:50 Setting quality standards for diversity and inclusion in science
As our societies change and become more diverse, universities are asked to be more open and inclusive to enable participation of people from various backgrounds, including those that traditionally were less represented in higher education and in research. The aim of this session is to discuss ways of supporting universities and research organisations in developing strategies towards equity, diversity, and inclusion in response to the increasing internationalisation and globalisation of research. All to achieve the highest possible quality in research and decision making.

Chair: Rianne Letschert , Rector, Maastricht University, Netherlands
• Strategies towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Universities –Paul Boyle, Vice President, European Universities Association (EUA), Belgium
• Maximising the societal, scientific and economic impacts of Horizon Europe through the promotion of gender equality – Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director, European Commission, Directorate for Research and Innovation, Belgium
• Women in science in Brazil and in Latin America: opportunities for collaboration with the EU, Maria Zaira Turchi, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil
• The pernicious effects of bias and discrimination in academia and why university leaders urgently need to act. Simone Buitendijk, Vice-provost (Education), Imperial College, UK
10:50–11:10 Refreshments
11:10–12:45

Sensitivity to contexts in statistics and indicators of science excellence
Many statistical measures and indicators have been developed in Europe to calculate and monitor how women and men participate, advance and contribute to science. Missing from these quantitative mappings are insights into the contextual factors (cultural, political, historical) that influence how decisions on scientific excellence are made in different countries, institutions and disciplines. This session will discuss how we can improve the capacity of statistical and data analysis tools to identify hidden inequalities.

Chair: Claartje Vinkenburg, Independent Gender Expert, Netherlands
• The glass ceiling to full professorship and availability of qualified job candidates, Peter van den Besselaar, Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Research Director at Teresa Mom Consultancy, Amsterdam
• Analytical perspectives on gender in the science landscape, Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Vice President, Research Intelligence, Global Strategic Networks and Co-chair, Gender Working Group, Elsevier, USA
• Creating level playing field in research funding for women and men, Lidia Borrell-Damian, Secretary General, Science Europe
• The She Figures 2018 and implementation of gender equality in Horizon Europe, Mina Stareva, Head of Sector – Gender, European Commission, Directorate for Research and Innovation, Belgium
12:45–13:40 Lunch, Poster Exhibition, Networking
Theme 2.Fostering diversity in open science and AI to ensure an optimal connection of science to society
13:40–15:15 Promoting scientific and societal benefits of AI through diversity in participation and bias free conceptual frameworks
This session will discuss how socially responsible applications can be developed. The focus is on the recognition and avoidance of biases in design (including algorithms and training data) and applications of the rapidly advancing AI technologies. The strategic approaches from the Gendered Innovations project can be applied to the field of AI as well – we cannot afford to get the research wrong.

Chair: Curt Rice, President of Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway and Head of Norway’s Committee on Gender Balance and Diversity in Research
• Digital Equity Laboratory, Greta Byrum, Co-founder and Director, New School, USA
• Gender Equality and Artificial Intelligence at the Council of Europe, Cecile Greboval,Programme Manager for Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Equality Advisor, Council of Europe, Directorate of Human Dignity, Equality and Governance, France
• Preventing bias in AI in business - Ghislaine Prins, Global Digital Marketing Director, Randstad, Netherlands
• Accountable, Responsible and Transparent Artificial Intelligence: how to get the algorithms right, Özgür Şimşek, University of Bath, UK
• Setting the stage and capacity for effective advancement of AI in Europe”, Irina Orssich, European Commission, DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology, Artificial IntelligenceTechnologies and Systems for Digitising Industry, Belgium
15:15–15:30 Refreshments, Poster Exhibition, Networking
15:30–17:00 This is an interactive session involving all participants to discuss political, economic, social and technological (PEST) drivers for Equitable and Inclusive Scientific Environment in Digital Future and establish consensus on recommendations for policy, research, innovation and outreach. To be organised with several European expert groups on the topic, such as the EU High Level Expert Group on AI.
17:00–19:00 Reception
Opening remarks: Kumsal Bayazit, CEO, Elsevier
Speakers Dinner – By Invitation Only




Day 2 –  4th October 2019 (Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam)
Theme 3.Actions towards a team–driven, innovative academic culture where everyone feels included
8:00–8:30 Arrivals - refreshments
8:30–9:00 Scheduled Poster Presentations 1
9:00–10:30 Diversity and inclusion in teams, disciplines and in research organisations as workplaces
Efforts to realize diversity and inclusion in science organisations typically fall into two broad classes: some are motivated by a concern for equity and social justice, and others are motivated by a concern for increasing the pool of talented scientists. This session will discuss barriers and opportunities for different disciplines and research organisations to attract and include a diversity of researchers, with specific attention to diversity in teams.

Chair: Hanneke Takkenberg, Chair of the Dutch Network of Women Professors and professor of Clinical Decision Making in Cardio-Thoracic Interventions at the Erasmus MC
• Fitting in and opting out: How to reap the benefits of diversity - Naomi Ellemers, Distinguished University Professor, Utrecht University, Netherlands
• Creating a strong foundation of inclusion and diversity in industrial R&D culture – Marcel Wubbolts, Chief Technology Officer, Corbion, Nethertlands
• Rew-focusing how scientific community assesses research, Stephen Curry, Assistant Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Chair of Steering Committee on Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), Imperial College, UK
• Transforming pipelines in academia and leadership, Peter Møllgaard. Dean of School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Netherlands
10:30–10:45 Refreshments, poster presentations
10:45-11:15 Scheduled Poster Presentations 2
11:15–11:45 Report on the Digital Future consensus forum
11:45–13:15

Effective responses to reported incidents of, and mechanisms to prevent, harassment and violence in academic environment
It is increasingly important to pay attention to, and enact policies that cover gender/sexual misbehaviours and violence, as a way to address the most extreme forms of inequality. The cumulative effect of sexual harassment is a significant damage to the research enterprise. The legal system alone is not an adequate mechanism for reducing or preventing sexual harassment, and institutions need to move beyond legal compliance to address culture and climate. This session will examine how Institutions can prevent and effectively address all forms of sexual harassment/violence by making systemic change to the culture and climate.

Chair: Annetje Ottow, Vice-President of Utrecht University's Executive Board
• Lessons from the play ‘#MetooAcademia: The Learning Curve’ – Tony Maples, Writer and Director, Het Acteursgenootschap, Netherlands
• Understanding gender perspectives on sexual harassment against women in academia, Marijke Naezer, Independent Expert, Netherlands
• Gaps in research on sexual harassment in academia, Frederik Bondestam, Director of the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• The NSF policy leadership in connecting sanctions to grants – Rhonda J. Davis, Head, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, National Science Foundation (NSF), USA
13:15–14:00 Lunch, Poster Exhibition, Networking
14:00–15:30 International mobility as driver of plurality in scientific perspectives on research for societal challenges
International mobility has become a key requirement in science and technology professional career progression of women and men. One benefit is more friendly and collaborative working environments that recognise the value of diversity in scientific talent. But international mobility is not only an opportunity to engage in new scientific endeavours. It is also an opportunity to benefit from different cultures and the way they influence science practice. This session will discuss the potential benefits of international mobility of researchers as a way of introducing new research perspectives and ways of understanding into research process.

Chair: Wim van Saarloos, President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Netherlands
• Gender diversity leads to better science - Mathias Wullum Nielsen, Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Migration as a trigger for acceptance of those perceived as ‘others’ – Magdalena Nowicka, deZIM Institute, Germany
• Academic engagement patterns of native and foreign-born academics, Cornelia Lawson,MIOIR, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester
• Back up: Gender and Citizenship in Academic Career Progression – Kyoko Shinozaki, Professor of Sociology "Social Change and Mobilities”, Department of Sociology, University of Salzburg, Austria
15:30–15:45 Refreshments
15:45–17:00 Parallel 1
Evidence and critical reflections on existing institutional, national and regiona actions to advance gender balance and gender equality in science and innovation, including participation, decision-making, funding, outcomes.
Chair: Lidwien Poorthuis, Dutch Network of Women Professors
  • A globally agreed set of norms for science and research: What the UNESCO science recommendation has to say about gender and diversity, Melanie Peters, Netherlands Commission for UNESCO, Netherlands
  • 12 ways to better gender balance. Experiences from the Research Council Norway's BALANSE programme, Ingeborg W. Owesen, Research Council Norway (RCN),Norway
  • Changing physics through implementation of Gender Equality Plans in physics institutions in Europe, Lia Lang, DESY, Germany
  • Gender balance and excellence. Report from the ERC Gender Balance Working Group, Eveline Crone, Member of. ERC Scientific Council and professor at Leiden University and at Amsterdam University, Netherlands
15:45–17:00 Parallel 2
What works? Instruments, measures and practices to effectively tackle common biases and inequalities, including negative effects of stereotypes on careers and work cultures that tolerate microaggression, scientific harassment and prejudice.

Chair: Susanne Täuber, Professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow, Human Resources Management and Organisational Behaviour, Groningen University, Netherlands
  • Bullying and harassment: determining the biggest issues in academia, Clemens Striebing, Researcher, Centre for Research and Innovation, Fraunhofer, Germany
  • Gender bias in grant allocation and academic careers – findings from GendERC and GRANteD projects, and future work, Helene Schiffbaenker, Senior Researcher, Joanneum Research, Austria
  • The Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador: actions to improve gender equity, Lisa Harvey Smith, Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador and Professor of Practice in Science Communication at University of New South Wales, Australia
  • Implementing Science Foundation Ireland’s gender strategy: How to boost applications from women, Rochelle Fritch, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
15:45–17:00 Parallel 3a
Representing and analysing sex/gender-related health risks to improve efficacy of diagnosis and treatment


Chair: Petra Verdonk, VUMC, Netherlands
  • Risk of psychological factors for ischemic heart disease: a sex and gender stratified meta-analysis, Paula M.C. Mommersteeg, Tilburg University, Netherlands
  • Gender differences in the prescription of anti-hypertensive medications: perspective from the clinic, Sophie H. Bots, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors, treatment and control for people with type 2 diabetes. Marit de Jong, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Sex as a risk factor for clinically relevant adverse drug reactions, Linda.C. Hendriksen, Erasmus University, Netherlands
15:45–17:00 Parallel 3b
Advancing methodologies for integration of intersectionality-related sex/gender analysis in health research

Chair: Sabine Oertelt-Prigione, Professor of Gender in Primary and Transmural Care, Radboud University Medical Centre
  • The development of a gender continuum for large-scale studies on health, Sarah Vader, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands
  • Calculating a Gender Index: gender and sex independently associate with common somatic symptoms and the prevalence of chronic disease, Aranka V. Ballering, University of Groningen
  • Gender disparities in estimated cardiovascular disease risk in men and women from a multi-ethnic population, Renee Bolijn, Department of Public Health, Netherlands
  • Gender and Health Knowledge Programme: adding value through inclusion of sex and genders, Carine Stroet, ZonMw, Netherlands
15:45–17:00 Parallel 4
Integrating gender dimension (biological sex and/or sociocultural factors) into research process, methods and content as a measure of scientific excellence, for bias free science knowledge and equitable research outcomes.

Chair: Oana van der Togt, TNO, Netherlands
  • The Lancet’s actions to improve inclusion and diversity, Astrid James, Deputy Editor, The Lancet, UK
  • Building Capacity for Sex and Gender Research in Public Health to improve outcomes: integrating sex/gender into PhD-training programme, Maartje Ridder, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC
  • Mobilising the gender dimension for Horizon Europe: contribution from theEU Gendered Innovations 2 (GI2) Expert Group, Ineke Klinge, Rapporteur H2020 Gendered Innovations, second edition
  • Advancing gendered innovation in science and technology research in South Korea, Heisook Lee, Senior Scientist, GISTeR, South Korea
17:10–17:15 Transfer from parallel session to the main plenary room
17:15–17:30 Closing Statements
Marjan Hammersma, Secretary General, Ministry for Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands