Abstract

The effect of gender on grant funding is well known and is especially pronounced in STEM fields.[1] Some studies show that women apply less often and for smaller sums than men, in addition women win fewer grants and are awarded proportionately less of the requested sum when applying for grant funding. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that the underlying causes are complex, and are further exacerbated by intersectional considerations.
There is little data on how the applicants gender affects the proposal application process and whether the supports offered by Research Development and Research Support offices could be enhanced by applying a gender lens. We will carry out a case study of Horizon Europe applications supported by our office to explore how gender affects the types and award value of funding applied for by Maynooth University applicants. We will analyse existing data on Maynooth University applications to Horizon Europe to identify any gender differences in application types, applicant status, amount of funding etc. Where differences are found we will a. Design and share a survey of successful and unsuccessful Horizon Europe applicants to explore their experiences and perceptions of applying; b. Collect and analyse sex disaggregated survey data of these responses , and c. Based on this data will engage with the Maynooth Equality Diversity and Inclusion office to examine how we could improve our research support and development processes to ensure more gender balanced research grant funding across different funding streams. This poster will report on our initial findings and describe the new initiatives to be developed in the Research Development Office.

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-022-01072-2