The Action Plan for Equality and Inclusion (PLA3I) has been defined within ICMAB's Gender Equality and Diversity Committee and was approved by the institute board on November 14th, 2024.
The PLA3I develops especific actions for ICMAB, within and beyond the general framework of CSIC’s III Equality Plan.
It positions ICMAB among the Spanish research centers pioneering equality and inclusion in a broad sense.
At ICMAB and CSIC, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and harassment based on gender or sexual orientation. Our goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment for everyone.
We have prepared an informative leaflet with reporting channels available at both institutions, ensuring confidentiality and the possibility of anonymity. Our aim is to guarantee that ICMAB remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The CSIC protocol has also been revised to strengthen protection for victims, streamline procedures, and includes new support mechanisms such as the COMSE and a confidential advisory hotline.
CSIC and ICMAB offer training on protocols and gender equality. We recommend our staff to enrole to these courses, as raising awareness and reporting inappropriate behavior are key to eradicating harassment.
Equality in Research and Innovation (R&I) is essential to achieving excellence, diversity, and inclusiveness. Ensuring equal opportunities allows all talent to flourish, fosters creativity, and drives scientific progress.
At ICMAB, we believe that true innovation can only thrive in an environment where everyone has the same chances to learn, contribute, and lead.
To support this vision, we share key resources and reports — such as She Figures and the CSIC Women and Science Committee Report — which provide valuable data and perspectives on gender equality in R&I.
At ICMAB, all matters related to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion are coordinated by the Gender Equality and Diversity Committee, established in 2016 within the framework of the Severo Ochoa Excellence Program.
Thanks to the work of this committee, in 2018 ICMAB was awarded the Certificate of Equality (Distintivo de Igualdad) by the CSIC, in the first edition of this award. This recognition highlighted the strong involvement of ICMAB’s direction, staff, and representatives in the design and implementation of gender equality policies and positive action measures.
The committee brings together representatives from different staff categories (researchers, students, technical staff, and administration), ensuring broad participation and inclusiveness in its proposals and actions. Since its creation, it has promoted initiatives to empower women in governance, increase the visibility of female scientists, raise awareness on gender issues, and implement internal practices that support work–life balance and a respectful, inclusive workplace.
In addition, ICMAB actively participates in the Science by Women program of the Fundación Mujeres por África, is a member of AMIT (Association of Women in Science and Technology) as an institution, and forms part of the Working Group on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion of SOMMa (the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Alliance), which is currently chaired by ICMAB’s deputy director, Lourdes Fàbrega.
For more information or to contact the committee, please visit the corresponding website.
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) maintains a firm and longstanding commitment to promoting equal opportunities for women and men in all aspects of its institutional life. This commitment aligns with Spanish equality legislation and the objectives of the European Research Area (ERA), ensuring the effective integration of the gender perspective in research and innovation.
CSIC was a pioneer within the Spanish public research system in developing equality policies. In 2002, it created the Women and Science Committee (Comisión Mujeres y Ciencia) to advise the CSIC Presidency, monitor gender-related issues, and propose actions to enhance women’s scientific careers. In recognition of its work, the Committee was selected in 2020 by Science Europe as an example of good practices to combat bias, discrimination and unfair treatment in research institutions. In 2011, the Delegate Committee for Equality was established to coordinate and implement equality measures across the organisation. In addition, all CSIC institutes and centres have their own Equality Committees, ensuring that equality and diversity are integrated into daily operations at every level.
The current III Equality Plan defines 49 specific actions across seven strategic areas, from work–life balance and professional development to embedding gender perspective in research content. The III Plan was approved on 1 April 2022 and came into force the following day. The plan includes cross-cutting measures aligned with European and UN frameworks on gender equality.
The CSIC has also reinforced its protocols against workplace and sexual harassment, creating two dedicated units to ensure prevention, early detection, and improved case management.
Since 2018, the CSIC has awarded the Gender Equality Accreditation Distinction, recognising those centres and institutes that actively promote gender equality and incorporate the gender perspective throughout their activities.
In addition, in 2025 CSIC received from the European Union the prestigious EU Award for Gender Equality Champions, in recognition of its over two decades of commitment to inclusive science and sustained implementation of equality plans and policies that ensure women’s full participation in a science of excellence and equity.
The institution also leads awareness initiatives such as the “Ellas son CSIC” campaign and the celebrations of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) and International Women’s Day (8 March).
Through these structures, plans, and initiatives — including the EU Gender Equality Champions award and the recently-enforced III Equality Plan — CSIC continues to build a scientific community based on equality, inclusion and respect, where all individuals, regardless of gender, background or identity, can thrive and contribute to scientific excellence.
