EDI & Policy
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
To effectively support Research Managers in promoting the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), it is essential to equip them with the appropriate tools and knowledge. This ensures they can foster an inclusive and equitable research environment.
Below, you will find fact sheets and a toolkit developed by CARDEA. These resources are designed to:
- Educate: Provide foundational knowledge on EDI principles and their importance in research settings.
- Guide: Offer practical strategies and best practices for implementing EDI initiatives.
- Support: Assist in addressing challenges and barriers to EDI within research teams.
- Evaluate: Help measure the effectiveness of EDI efforts and identify areas for improvement.
By utilising these resources, Research Managers can better advocate for and integrate EDI values into their work, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse research community.
EDI checklist for organisations
CARDEA has created an EDI checklist for organisations, inspired by the HR Excellence in Research checklist template[1] checklist template for open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment. This checklist serves as a tool to monitor the progress of EDI within your organisation.
Download the checklist tool here: EDI Checklist for Organisations
[1] Please see details of the HR Excellence in Research framework at the following link: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/hrs4r.
EDI Factsheets
To enhance the perception and understanding of EDI values in the context of RM roles, CARDEA specially developed the factsheets which can be downloaded below. These materials are tools for both current and future RMs. CARDEA believes it is essential to create tools in a graphical and simplified format. Additionally, the tools are classified according to RM 1 to RM 4 levels.
Factsheets on:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Research Managers
- Unconscious Bias
- Inclusive Language
- Accessible Communication
- Creating Inclusive Environments
- Inclusive Leadership
Download the factsheets here Factsheets EDI CARDEA
The situation of Research Managers in Europe in the context of Gender equality and EDI values
The following report provides an overview and analysis of the Cardea survey results concerning EDI values and gender equality among research managers in Europe.
Download the report here: The Situation of Research Managers in Europe in the context of EDI
Access the survey Data Here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Prx2CBqgTg7qMglNJRDqjCdIAiQjMmjXWiU9wB8-C_w/edit?usp=sharing
CARDEA Policy Recommendations
CARDEA’s Policy Recommendations for Research Managers emphasise the urgent need to professionalise and recognise research management as a vital career within the European Research Area. Through the development of the RM Comp framework (through a collaboration between CARDEA and RM ROADMAP), CARDEA advocates for a structured approach to defining competencies, career pathways, and training standards for research managers. These recommendations aim to strengthen institutional capacity, support cross-border mobility, and align research management practices with European standards, ultimately fostering a more innovative and collaborative research ecosystem across Europe.
See CARDEA Policy Recommendations:
EU Policies relevant to European Research Area (ERA)
ANNEXES to the Proposal for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepeneurial talents in Europe È
Knowledge ecosystems in the new ERAUsing a competence-based approach for career development in academia and beyond
Knowledge ecosystems in the new ERA - Using a competence-based approach for career development in academia and beyond
Policy Consultations
Empowering R&I: A New ERA in Research Management
The new ERA action, “Empowering R&I: A New ERA in Research Management,” represents a significant evolution of the work initiated under ERA Action 17, which focused on strengthening the role of research managers (RMs) in the European Research Area. Action 17 delivered foundational results such as the Research Management Competence Framework (RM-Comp), which defined core skills and competencies for RMs, and promoted training and development opportunities to professionalize the field. These achievements laid the groundwork for a more structured approach to career progression and recognition within research management.
Building on these successes, the new action aims to enhance recognition and career development for research managers across Europe. It addresses the growing need for specialized support to improve the efficiency and impact of the European R&I system. Key priorities include:
- Access to Training and Upskilling Tools: Expanding opportunities for continuous learning, including guidance on emerging technologies such as AI.
- Europe-Wide Learning and Skills Development Scheme: Introducing structured programs for peer-to-peer learning and mobility to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Networking and Collaboration: Strengthening links between public organizations, research funders, and industry to create clear career pathways and professional development opportunities.
The initiative sets out ambitious milestones:
- 2025: Launch of a flexible career framework for research managers. RM Comp
- 2026: Co-creation of a European Charter for Research Managers, establishing shared principles and standards.
- 2027: Development of an online hub for training and certification under the ERA Talent Platform, serving as a central resource for skills development and recognition.
The ERA Action 17 Core Group comprised sponsors and experts tasked with shaping the direction and deliverables of Action 17. The coordinator’s contributions were informed by CARDEA’s research and findings, ensuring alignment with broader ERA goals and the evolving needs of research management professionals.
Key Activities and Engagement
• Core Group Participation
• Frequency: Monthly meetings, with additional sessions during critical phases.
• Nature of Work: Collaborative and iterative, involving:
o Idea generation
o Updates of Project work completed by CARDEA
o Multiple rounds of discussions
o Drafting of reports and recommendations
The engagement addressed four strategic pillars:
· Upskilling (CARDEA Academy was discussed multiple times at these meetings)
· Recognition
· Networking
· Capacity Building
Meetings itemised below:
| Date | Location | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2023 | Brussels | Introduction to Action 17 |
| May 10, 2023 | Budapest | Upskilling |
| Nov 8-9, 2023 | Barcelona | Capacity Building |
| April 17, 2024 | Brussels | RM Competence and Networking |
| Nov 18, 2024 | Online | Feedback RM Comp |
| June 6, 2025 | Online | RM Comp Webinar |
| June 23, 2025 | Brussels | Professional RM and its Value/Recognition |