The recently published STREAM IT Policy Brief presents the first policy-relevant findings of the Horizon Europe-funded STREAM IT project, which addresses persistent gender inequalities in STEM education, research and innovation across Europe. Anchored in existing EU policy frameworks, the brief summarises the project’s research findings, outlines planned pilot interventions and formulates key policy recommendations aimed at increasing girls’ and women’s participation in STEM, while promoting gender- and diversity-inclusive STEAM approaches aligned with European strategies and priorities.

Gender equality remains a strategic priority for the European Union. Yet women and girls continue to be underrepresented in STEM education and careers, limiting not only individual opportunities but also Europe’s capacity to respond effectively to the digital and green transitions and to safeguard its strategic autonomy in key technological sectors. STREAM IT aligns closely with major EU initiatives, including the Roadmap for Women’s Rights (adopted in March 2025), the STEM Education Strategic Plan under the Union of Skills, and the European Strategy for Universities, all of which emphasise the need to address structural barriers and promote inclusive, high-quality education pathways.

The policy brief builds on comprehensive cross-country research conducted during the first phase of the project, including interviews with female STEAM students and experts across 15 European countries. The findings identify deep-rooted structural and cultural barriers shaping girls’ and women’s experiences in STEM. These include persistent gender stereotypes, unwelcoming institutional environments, limited visibility of female role models, and insufficient institutional accountability. Gender-sensitive initiatives often remain fragmented, dependent on short-term funding, or driven by individual commitment rather than embedded in systemic reform.

A central finding of the STREAM IT Policy Brief is that early, experiential, and interdisciplinary engagement plays a decisive role in fostering girls’ sustained interest in STEM. Evidence indicates that STEAM approaches integrating science, technology, the arts, as well as socially relevant themes are particularly effective in enhancing confidence, sense of belonging, and long-term aspirations. Hands-on learning, structured mentoring schemes, and interaction with relatable role models significantly strengthen young women’s self-efficacy and engagement in STEM pathways.

In response, STREAM IT proposes concrete policy actions. These include integrating gender-inclusive STEAM toolkits into national curricula and teacher training systems, strengthening institutional accountability through the effective implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs), and supporting mentoring and networking programmes at critical educational transition points. The project also contributes to advancing the European Manifesto for Gender-Inclusive STE(A)M Education and Careers through stakeholder engagement, co-creation processes, and the development of a European STEAM Roadmap.

Meaningful progress toward gender equality in STEM depends on sustained and strategically aligned action across EU, national, and institutional governance levels. By combining comprehensive cross-country research, piloted educational interventions, and structured policy dialogue, STREAM IT provides evidence-based pathways toward a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready European STEAM education system.

To follow the project’s ongoing activities, research outputs, and policy engagement, stakeholders are invited to connect with STREAM IT through its official social media channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Hétfa Research Institute

Virág Vajda is a junior project manager at Hétfa Research Institute. She holds a BA in International Public Management from National University of Public Service and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at Pázmány Péter Catholic University. Her professional experience includes involvement in EU-funded projects such as STREAM IT, where she contributes to project coordination and communication-related tasks.