Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Human Technopole, we believe that excellence in science thrives in inclusive, diverse, and supportive environments. As outlined in our Strategic Plan 2024-2028, we are committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring that gender equality remains a core priority of our institute.
We are proud to be among the Italian institutions awarded the UNI/PdR 125:2022 Certification for Gender Parity – a recognition of our structured and continuous efforts to promote gender equality and empower our people at every level of the organisation.
HT also hosts the Rainbow Club, created by staff and students to foster a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ people within the institute. With over 40 members, the Club organises social activities for HT staff and events to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues.
Diversity and inclusion are not only values we uphold – they are the foundations upon which we build a fairer, more innovative and forward-thinking research community.
The Gender Equality Team


Our Gender Equality Team is a cross-functional group of colleagues appointed by the Director of Human Technopole to guide the development, implementation and monitoring of our Gender Equality Plan (GEP).
The team works to ensure that gender equality is integrated into every aspect of our institutional life – from HR and recruitment to research strategy and communication. It also acts as a reference point for staff, promoting awareness, supporting new initiatives and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and equal opportunity.
The Gender Equality Plan
Since our early days, we have taken concrete steps to foster a workplace that is inclusive, diverse, and respectful. The Gender Equality Plan (GEP) formalises this commitment through a set of actions and indicators designed to promote equal opportunities across all genders and ensure accountability.
GEP 2025–2027: Advancing Our Commitment
Our new GEP, covering 2025–2027, builds on the progress made and expands our vision with six overarching goals:
- Raise awareness on gender equality, diversity and inclusion through training and inclusive communication.
- Promote work-life balance and support parenting, caregiving and childcare.
- Ensure fairness in recruitment and career progression, and achieve equal pay for equal work.
- Integrate gender dimension in research, fostering excellence and innovation.
- Combat gender-based violence, including discrimination and harassment.
- Develop, implement and communicate the GEP with transparency and accountability.
GEP 2022–2024: Building the Foundations
Our first Gender Equality Plan, valid for the 2022–2024 period, was developed through a participatory process involving the entire HT community. It followed the guidelines of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and aligned with the requirements of Horizon Europe, which mandates GEPs for research organisations applying for funding.
Key objectives included:
- Improving decision-making by addressing gender and other biases;
- Promoting gender balance in career development, especially for women in science;
- Supporting work-life balance through family-friendly policies;
- Integrating the gender dimension in research design;
- Combating gender-based discrimination and harassment.
A Continuous Journey
Promoting gender equality and inclusion is not a one-time goal – it is a continuous, evolving journey. Through the work of our Gender Equality Team and the implementation of our GEPs, we are committed to shaping a workplace where everyone can thrive, contribute and feel valued.
Together, we are building a research institute where diversity drives discovery and equality powers progress.
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Gender Equality and Diversity at HT – Symposium
The first symposium on “Gender Equality and Diversity at HT” took place today at the Human Technopole Auditorium. The aim of the event was to discuss why there are differences in the career outcomes of men and women and how we can act to promote equality and inclusion at HT. During the event we heard from Gerlind […]
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Human Technopole Commitment to Gender Equality
Human Technopole is proud to announce the launch of its new Gender Equality Plan (GEP) for 2025-2027, a strategic initiative designed to further integrate gender equality across all aspects of the Institute, building upon the successful outcomes of the previous GEP (2022-2024). HT has also achieved the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, which recognizes organizations that promote gender equality and foster inclusive workplaces.
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Our Gender Equality Plan
Internationality, diversity and collaboration are among the core values on which we have been building Human Technopole. Since our first days of activity, we have been fully committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, fostering diversity and equal opportunities for employment. We are proud to introduce our Gender Equality Plan (GEP) which, […]