The New University of Lisbon is part of a European consortium within the framework of an H2020 project under the theme of gender equality, Supporting and Implementing Plans for Gender Equality in Academia and Research (SPEAR).
Funded by the European Union, the project is coordinated by the University of South Denmark with eight European universities and aims to develop institutional changes to increase women's participation in Research and Innovation and to improve their career prospects.
The main objectives of the study are to carry out impact assessments / audits of procedures and practices to identify gender inequalities, identify and implement innovative strategies to correct any type of discrimination, and set goals and monitor progress through indicators .
The disparity in access to leadership positions is identified as a problem by the EU, which has launched this program to promote gender equality in the Academy and Research, which has awarded three million euros over the next four years.
Professor Elvira Fortunato, vice-rector of NOVA, lecturer and researcher, at FCT NOVA, leads the Portuguese team, together with the German University of Aachen, which has been analyzing these indicators for a longer time, studying and working with objective of promoting gender balance in the decision-making bodies of university organizations.
Data such as number of women in managerial positions, women professors, women in charge of research projects will be collected and worked over the next few months to verify the relationship between men and women in management positions, in teaching and in investigation. With this study and participation in this project, NOVA assumes a pioneering role in Portugal, being able to serve as an example for other teaching and research institutions in the country.
As in many universities abroad, it is intended to create an Equal Opportunities Office that can draw attention to problems and implement plans to promote gender equality in the institution.

Interview with Diário de Notícias, here.