Technical note: The role of women in construction research

Equal participation of women and men in industrial research is still a major challenge for the European Union. In most European countries, female graduates proportionately outnumber male graduates. However, scientific research and technological development remain male-dominated, especially in industry. Construction is one of the most important industrial sectors in terms of economic growth and employmet, but very little is known about the role of women in construction research and the factors that are hindering a more equal presence of women and men. As result of an extensive field work undertaken at European level, this paper offers a picture of the current situation of women in construction research that shows evidences of important inequalities. This work has allowed the development of recommendations for empowering women in construction research, addressing the opportunities for moving towards gender equality in this field. To invest in human capital for research is seen as an outstanding necessity within construction sector, and both women and men should fully develop their potential.