More women in construction research
Construction research focuses on cities, buildings, underground infrastructure, networks systems, cultural heritage, quality of life, materials and processes among others, as well as information technology related to the field. The discipline has traditionally been the domain of men, but now women are bringing a fresh perspective to it. the EU-funded project 'Women in construction scientific research' (Women-Core) aimed to strengthen the knowledge of women in construction research and enlarge their sphere of influence. This ensures that gender-specific needs of research and development in construction are considered and integrated into the sector. the project identified higher education institutions, research centres and construction companies in the field. It focused on individuals, institutions and content of research. with respect to individuals, project partners studied career trends, gender inequalities and career opportunities. They also investigated policies meant to attract, retain and promote women in research, including targets and quotas that encourage gender equality. The project found that women have less career progression due to inflexibility of workplaces or contracts, lower seniority and lack of role models, attracting them more to academic environments instead. The most relevant trends that shape the professional development of construction researchers were also identified. women-Core showed that emerging fields with a more multidisciplinary approach, i.e. with environmental and socially sensitive issues, can be ideal for women seeking a career in construction research. Moreover, the project produced several recommendations to improve gender equality in this sector. These could be useful for policymakers, stakeholders in the construction sector, research institutions and individual researchers. Over the next few years, these results and recommendations are bound to help integrate women in the field across Europe, addressing gender inequality and increasing the workforce.
