Date added: 2026-02-04
Gender-Responsive Research and Innovation Lab in STEM
Author: Mara Tanelli, Full Professor of Automatic Control – Politecnico di Milano
Apply now for the Gender-Responsive Research and Innovation Lab in STEM 2026!
Application deadline: February 28th, 2026
The Gender-Responsive Research and Innovation Lab in STEM is a hands-on, interdisciplinary training initiative for Master’s level students from all ENHANCE partner universities enrolled in STEM disciplines. The programme is ideal for students eager to connect technical knowledge with ethics, diversity, and social responsibility, and motivated to collaborate in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Led by Politecnico di Milano and developed in collaboration with TU Berlin, RWTH Aachen, TU Delft, and NTNU, the Lab empowers students to design technologies and solutions that are both innovative and inclusive. With a focus on mobility, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, participants will explore how gender, diversity, and intersectionality influence technological development and societal impact.
What You Will Learn
- Apply the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework in STEM contexts
- Integrate gender and diversity dimensions into research and design processes
- Develop ethically grounded and socially responsive innovation strategies
- Collaborate effectively across cultural and disciplinary boundaries
- Critically reflect on the societal impact of science and technology
Programme Format & Timeline
The Lab follows a blended learning format combining online preparation with an immersive on-site experience in Milan.
- Pre-Lab Online Phase (April–June 2026):
ENHANCE MOOC “Responsible Innovators of Tomorrow” (asynchronous) and two online seminars on RRI and Diversity Aware Design - Online Seminar 1: May 11th, 2026, 5–7 PM
- Online Seminar 2: June 8th, 2026, 5–7 PM
- 5-Day Summer School in Milan: September 7th–11th, 2026
Peer-learning activities, project development, and expert input from partner universities
Participants who successfully complete the Lab will receive an ENHANCE Certificate of Achievement worth 4 ECTS.
Who Should Apply?
The Lab is open to Master’s level students in STEM disciplines who are interested in ethical and inclusive approaches to technology and motivated to work in international teams.
Don’t miss your chance to become part of an international community shaping a more responsible and inclusive future for technology.
Applications are open from February 1st to February 28th, 2026.
How to Enroll
- Submit your application via MC Forms.
- Send the following documents to erasmus-bip@polimi.it (all in English, PDF format):
- CV (max. 1 page)
- Motivation Letter (max. 1 page)
- Official academic transcript (Master’s degree)
- Include your surname in the email subject line, e.g.: [Surname]_Gender Lab application doc
Apply Now – Register for the Lab
Context Tags: #Gender&Diversity #ResponsibleResearch&Innovation #InclusiveSTEM