Austria still holds an unenviable position near the bottom of the European league table relating to the proportion of women in research, particularly in the natural and technical sciences. There is a great and continued need for action to remove or at least to lessen the disadvantages suffered by women in research careers. During its recent reorganization, the FWF has taken the initiative to establish a "department" for gender issues.

The short-term goal of this department is to bring about an improvement of the position of female scientists in FWF programs anchored in the universities. In the long term, the FWF's measures should offer equal opportunities for men and women within FWF programs. The department for gender issues is supported by a working group made up of co-workers from all FWF departments.

Goals of the Department for Gender Issues

Guaranteeing the quality of recorded data and combination of available data
	Data from the survey of those who have applied for FWF funding as well as project data (applications, final reports) should be statistically evaluated with regard to the equality of men and women.
Raising the visibility of women in science
	Careers of women in science should be made more visible by means of "female portraits" in the FWF Info magazine - FWF projects as a career model for women (START, applications by independent scientists, fellowship holders).
Improvement and enhancement of career opportunities for women in science
	More intense networking should take place between female funding recipients
	Measures to offer personnel development and training should be established in educational programs (graduate colleges).
Increase of the proportion of female project leaders and increased representation of women in the FWF organs
	Clear indications in the guidelines for programs with age limits that exceptions to age limits will be made for women who have taken time to raise children.

Programs to promote female researchers
> Hertha Firnberg Program
> Elise Richter Program

For further information please contact
Sabine Haubenwallner

Please note that some of the contents are available only in German.

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