The COST Action VOICES concluded with a remarkable final conference at École Normale Supérieure in Paris, July 9th-11th. Under the leadership of Anne-Sophie Godfroy, this three-day gathering brought together young researchers, policymakers, and academic leaders from across Europe to celebrate achievements and chart the path forward for gender equality in research and innovation.

Showcasing Young Researchers’ Impact

The conference provided an essential platform for young researchers to present their groundbreaking work on gender equality challenges in academia. Through roundtables and parallel sessions, early career researchers shared findings on topics ranging from work-life balance and mental health to intersectional approaches and the impact of precarious employment on academic careers. These presentations demonstrated the vital role young researchers play in driving change and highlighted the innovative research emerging from diverse perspectives across European institutions.

Comprehensive Working Group Results

A major highlight was the presentation of results from six specialized working groups that formed the backbone of the VOICES Action:

  • Working Group 1: Employment, Career Development & Mobilities
  • Working Group 2: Leadership & Decision-Making
  • Working Group 3: Gender as a Research Dimension
  • Working Group 4: Gender-Based Violence
  • Working Group 5: Intersectionality
  • Working Group 6: Data Collection, Monitoring & Evaluation

Each working group presented years of collaborative research, offering findings and strategies that can drive systemic change across European academic institutions.

The White Book: A Policy Roadmap

One of the Action’s most significant achievements is the White Book—a comprehensive policy document emerging from all working groups. The White Book will serve as a practical roadmap for:

  • Identifying concrete policy recommendations for institutional and systemic change
  • Facilitating stakeholder engagement and implementation strategies
  • Providing decision-makers with evidence-based tools for promoting gender equality
  • Creating a sustainable framework for ongoing efforts across European research institutions

 

The conference also featured distinguished keynote speakers and guest presenters who enriched discussions and expanded the network of gender equality practitioners that will continue collaborating beyond the conference. Contributions came from researchers presenting findings on safer academic spaces, experts in migration history and leadership, and scholars exploring identity transformation through international academic experiences.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Anne-Sophie Godfroy for her leadership throughout the VOICES Action and in organizing this impactful conference alongside Lou Pinchon Carron de la Carrière and all ENS staff. Special thanks go to all working group leaders, participants, and contributors who invested countless hours in research and collaboration. The conference represented more than just a conclusion—it served as a launching pad for sustained action towards a more inclusive research ecosystem across Europe.