Gender Equality Plan 2026–2030 

Health and Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria is committed to gender equality.

Health and Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria (HLSC) has adopted a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) for the period 2026–2030 in line with the Horizon Europe Gender Equality Plan eligibility criterion. The GEP applies to all HLSC staff, management and governing bodies, as well as long‑term collaborators who work under the direction of the cluster.

The GEP was approved by the Board of HLSC on 27 Feb 2026 and is endorsed by the Chairman of Management Board. Through this plan, HLSC commits to promoting gender equality, ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, and providing a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from any form of discrimination or harassment.

The GEP sets clear objectives and measures in the following key areas:

• gender balance in leadership and decision‑making bodies;

• fair, transparent and non‑discriminatory recruitment, employment and career development practices;

• promotion of work–life balance and flexible working arrangements where possible;

• integration of the gender dimension into relevant projects, activities and communication;

• prevention of and response to sexual and gender‑based harassment, bullying and discrimination.

To support implementation, HLSC has designated a Gender Equality Plan Officer (Kristina Eskenazi), who coordinates the execution of the plan, advises staff and management, and reports to the Board on progress. Dedicated time and resources are allocated for coordination, data collection, awareness‑raising, and training activities related to gender equality and a safe work environment.

Implementation of the GEP will be monitored on an annual basis. HLSC will collect and analyse sex‑disaggregated data on staff composition and participation in governance and projects, follow simple qualitative and quantitative indicators, and review the effectiveness of the planned measures. Brief annual progress updates and any substantive revisions of the GEP will be published on this webpage.

Our Commitment

We believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. Our Gender Equality Plan (GEP) demonstrates our commitment to creating a fair, respectful, and supportive environment for all staff, members, and partners.

Why We Have a GEP

• European Excellence: Aligning with Horizon Europe requirements and best practices in research and innovation

• Quality and Impact: Gender-sensitive research produces better, more relevant results

• Values: Fairness, respect, and equal opportunity are core to who we are

• Sustainability: Diverse teams are more innovative, resilient, and effective

Our Five Priority Areas

1. Work-Life Balance – Flexible working, support for diverse needs

2. Balanced Leadership – Gender balance in governance and decision-making

3. Fair Recruitment – Transparent, merit-based hiring and career progression

4. Gender in Research – Integrating gender dimension in our R&I projects

5. Zero Tolerance – Safe, respectful environment free from harassment

Download Our GEP

📄 Download HLSC Gender Equality Plan 2026-2030 

Progress and Accountability

We monitor our progress annually and publish a public report each year. Transparency and continuous improvement are essential to our approach.

• Latest Annual Report: [Link when available]

• Mid-term Review: Scheduled for 2028

• Next Full Update: 2029

Contact

Questions or suggestions about gender equality at HLSC?

GEP Officer: Kristina Eskenazi

Email: gep@biocluster.bg

Phone: +359888042205

Confidential reporting channel for harassment or discrimination: Reports can be submitted confidentially at any time to Valentin Savov – Member of MB, office@law-tax.bg,  + 359 886 354 656, who will ensure impartial handling, protection of the reporting person’s identity to the maximum extent permitted by law, and absence of any retaliation.

Related Policies

• Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy (coming Q2 2026)

• Flexible Working Arrangements Policy (coming Q2 2026)

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Last updated: February 2026