Diversity, equality and inclusion: key for more rigorous science
At ICN2, we are committed to fostering a fair, inclusive, and diverse research environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic. This commitment goes beyond institutional values: it is embedded in our policies, our processes and our everyday practice.
Our approach focuses on integrating equality and diversity into every aspect of our organisation, ensuring that no one faces discrimination based on gender, religion, culture, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other condition.
To reinforce this commitment, we implement strategic measures and policies that make equality a core principle of our corporate practices. These actions are aligned with the current legal framework, including:
- Royal Decree 901/2020 (Equality Plans)
- Royal Decree 902/2020 (Equal Pay)
- Law 15/2022 (Comprehensive Law for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination)
- Law 4/2023 (Rights of Trans and LGTBI People)
- Royal Decree 1026/2024 (Measures for LGTBI Equality and Non-Discrimination in Companies)
Our goal is simple: to create a workplace where diversity is valued and inclusion is a reality for everyone.
The third Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Plan, covering the 2023-2026 period, builds on a thorough diagnosis and evaluation process, analysing the impact of previous actions and assessing ICN2’s current situation in terms of gender balance and diversity indicators.
This new plan introduces an integrated framework of actions designed to foster equality, inclusion, and diversity across the organisation. Beyond these flagship actions, the plan also addresses strategic objectives such as work-life balance, inclusive communication, equal access to specialized training, and fair recruitment practices. It includes continuous monitoring of diversity indicators and draws on best practices from networks like BIST, SOMMa, and EARMA.
The plan is reviewed periodically by the Equal Opportunities Committee in collaboration with Human Resources and institute management. Our goal: to make equality and diversity a reality at ICN2, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Main Initiatives in the Plan
The Equal Opportunities Committee
The Equal Opportunities Committee, created in 2017, works to promote gender equality, equal opportunities and non-discrimination at ICN2. Its members are representatives of both genders and all professional areas of ICN2, including research, management and support services. Members are selected on the basis of their commitment and interest in equality and diversity issues. The Committee works closely with Human Resources and collaborates with ICN2 departments to develop and implement the actions set out in the Plan.
The responsibilities of the Committee are:
- Determine and manage the annual execution budget.
- Develop the monitoring system for the implementation of the Plan.
- Supervise the planned monitoring systems.
- Coordinate the collection of information.
- Analyse the information and make the necessary adjustments.
- Prepare follow-up reports.
- Promote the dissemination and communication relevant to the workforce at key moments.
- Evaluate the equality actions once they are implemented.
- Raise the evaluation report to the Management bodies.
- Promote communication and dissemination of the Plan evaluation results.
- Embed equality measures in ICN2’s planning and management processes so they become part of how the institute works and continue to improve.
If you have any questions, enquiries or suggestions, please contact us at: equalopps@icn2.cat
Members of the Committee
| Collective | Name and Surname | Position at ICN2 |
| Scientific Staff | Neus Bastús (Chair) | CSIC Research Scientist and Group Leader |
| Administration Staff | Teresa Palau (Secretary) | People Development Officer |
| Scientific Staff | Patricia Aguilar | Doctoral Student |
| Scientific Staff | Mary Cano | Senior Researcher |
| Scientific Staff | Elena Del Corro | CSIC Tenured Scientist |
| Admnistration Staff | Ana de la Osa | Events and Outreach Coordinator |
| Scientific-Technical Staff | Manuela Dietrich | Research Engineer |
| Administration Staff | Laura Florez Corredor | Strategy Development Coordinator |
| Scientific Staff | Glòria Garcia | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Scientific Staff | Alba Garzón | Senior Researcher |
| Management | Julio Gómez | Head of Human Resources |
| Scientific Staff | Inhar Imaz | CSIC Research Scientist |
| Scientific Staff | Nerea Mariscal | Doctoral Student |
| Scientific Staff | Josep Nogués | ICREA Research Professor and Group Leader |
| Administration Staff | Pau París | Maintenance and Services Technician |
| Administration Staff | Nadia Vallvé | Labour Relations Coordinator |
Harassment Prevention Protocols
- Procedure for the prevention, detection and treatment of harassment situations. ICN2 has respect for people as a core value. A new example of this institutional compromise is the institutional Procedure for the prevention, detection and treatment of harassment situations. The purpose of this procedure is to foster an environment in which mobbing, harassment or intimidation are acknowledged as unacceptable and are not tolerated by the Institute.
Download - Prevention, detection and action protocol for cases of harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Download - Planned set of measures for equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI people
Download
Celebrating Women in Research Once Again Through the ICN2 Women Talent Programme
#Científiques 2026: Women Scientists from the BIST Community Bring Science into Classrooms
ICN2 Women Talent Programme Recognises Female Scientists in Celebration of International Women’s Day
Resources and external links
ICN2 encourages its community to explore resources and networks that support equality, diversity and inclusion in research. Below are selected links to associations, institutional programmes and reference materials relevant to women in science and DEI in research environments.
