Call for research projects 2026 - Women and Science Chair
The Women and Science Chair at Paris Dauphine-PSL University, aims to mobilize and develop multidisciplinary approaches to analyze the determinants and the impact of the low presence of women in scientific studies and careers (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). The Women and Science Chair is member of the UNESCO chairs network, created with the support of the L'Oréal Foundation, Generali, La Poste, Amundi and Descours Family, in partnership with the Institute of Public Policies and Institut Louis Bachelier.
To this end, the Chair associates research centers and researchers both in Dauphine University and outside Dauphine. It mobilizes methods and tools from several disciplines, in particular economics (risk economics, microeconomics, applied economics, experimental economics), decision theory and mathematical modeling, sociology, management and social psychology.
Since 2019, the chair has received 446 proposals and has funded 42 research projects from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.
In 2026, the Women and Science Chair launches its eighth call for research projects, aimed at the entire academic community without any restrictions in terms of disciplines or in terms of methodology (field studies, modeling, empirical studies, experimental approaches, etc.). This year, 5 to 7 research projects will be selected and receive support of up to € 10,000.
Projects submitted under this call may address any of the research themes covered by the Women and Science Chair (see below). However, the selection committee will give particular attention to the themes identified as priority areas for the 2026 Call for Projects:
- Stereotypes and scientific socialization: the mechanisms through which STEM-related stereotypes are formed and reinforced from early childhood and throughout the life course.
- Women and digital technologies: women’s participation in digital fields and artificial intelligence; the transformation of occupations; gender bias in technological systems; AI and selection/recruitment processes in STEM education and careers; women’s uses and experiences of AI.
- The role of social media in the gendered construction of scientific aspirations and career choices, as well as in shaping stereotypes related to women and STEM.
- Pedagogy and knowledge transmission: the role of teaching methods and educational practices in shaping educational choices, promoting inclusion, and fostering scientific aspirations.
- Analysis and evaluation of public policies and civil society initiatives (in schools, among students, teachers, and other stakeholders) aimed at reducing gender disparities in science, particularly within the framework of the Girls and Mathematics national action plan.
- Determinants of educational and career choices in scientific fields, including the relationship between study pathways and career aspirations (e.g., remuneration, public versus private sector opportunities, working conditions and work-life balance).
- Gender, science, and society: health, climate, and societal transitions; the role and representation of women in scientific fields with significant societal impact; and the respective contributions of families, educators, policymakers, opinion leaders, and particularly men, in fostering a more equitable society.
Particular interest will also be given to projects involving researchers from different disciplines (management science, sociology, economics, mathematics, etc.) and/or involving international analyzes and comparisons.
By submitting an application, project leaders undertake, if they are selected, to participate in one or more events of the Chair, to produce a short video on their work and to write a short presentation of the conclusions of their works (in French or English) accessible to a wide audience. Selected projects and related publications must mention the support of the Chair. A researcher can only receive one time the financial support of the Chair.
Download the call for research projects for the Chair for Women in Science
CALL FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS 2026
The deadline for the submission of applications to this call for research projects is September 20, 2026.
