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The gender dimension in PHIRE
Gender equality is a core value of the European Union and a strategic priority in Horizon Europe. The EU recognises that integrating a gender dimension in research and innovation is essential to improve scientific excellence and the societal relevance of new knowledge and technologies. With Horizon Europe, the European Commission has strengthened its commitment to gender equality by
- requiring the integration of sex and gender analysis in research content,
- promoting balanced representation in research teams,
- introducing the Gender Equality Plan as an eligibility criterion for public research institutions.
These efforts aim to ensure that research environments are inclusive, equitable, and able to support the full potential of all individuals.
PHIRE: a solution for all
In the PHIRE project, this commitment translates into both the composition of the consortium and the design of the technological solution. The project brings together a gender-balanced team and ensures that the innovation developed, a minimally invasive, theranostic solution for bladder cancer, is effective for both women and men. Bladder cancer is four times more common in men, yet women are more often diagnosed at later stages and face poorer clinical outcomes. PHIRE’s solution addresses this disparity by offering a diagnostic and therapeutic approach that is not influenced by biological sex, cellular metabolism, or immune response, thus reducing potential gender-based biases in detection and treatment.
This inclusive approach strengthens PHIRE’s scientific and clinical impact. By considering the needs of all patients and accounting for sex-based differences in disease presentation, the project supports a more equitable model of healthcare innovation. It aligns with the EU’s broader vision of fostering gender equality in science and contributes to fairer health outcomes for everyone.
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