Why Gender is Important in Research – and How It Benefits Us All
In science and technology, there is increasing evidence that taking gender and different realities into account not only ensures greater justice, but also drives innovation. The concept of “Gendered Innovations” (Prof. Dr. Londa Schiebinger) aims to integrate gender and intersectionality into research – and has a major impact on the quality of results and the development of new technologies.
On February 6, 2025, the committed project directors Dr. Katrin Hassler and Lynn Berg launched their project 360° Gender in Research ( GinF) at the University of Hamburg; Dr. Claudia Neusüß from compassorange moderated the event. The four-year project aims to integrate gender more intensively into all research areas of Hamburg’s scientific landscape.
Why is this important?
The renowned Stanford Professor Londa Schiebinger, winner of the Humboldt Research Prize and keynote speaker of the evening, explained how important and productive this is for the quality of research. “How can we harness the creative power of sex, gender and/or intersectional discovery and innovation?”
An example from medicine: Many medications have de facto led to women being treated worse. This costs women’s lives and costs billions. If gender perspectives are taken into account from the start, such errors can be avoided. In medicine, we now also know that the female cycle plays a role in the dosage of medication. Several examples touch on the topic of racism, for example when technologies (e.g. oxygen meters) are only designed for white skin and consequently produce incorrect values for black patients. If the specifics are taken into account, treatments can become more efficient and safer for women and BIPOC.
Research must change
Since 2020, the European Commission has been demanding that all research projects in Europe include a gender perspective. But many researchers still lack the necessary training to do this properly.
Equality brings innovation
It’s not just about equal opportunities, but also about better results. Studies show that when different perspectives are brought in, better solutions are found. It’s also an economic factor. In a study on heart disease, for example, the lives of women were significantly improved – and the US economy benefits by billions every year.
By more fully incorporating the perspectives of women, men, non-binary people and other underrepresented groups, we can create innovations that benefit everyone.
It is time to make research more inclusive from the ground up – for a better and fairer future.
ginf@uni-hamburg.de.
