A new Erasmus+ European project has commenced at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics (CING), focused on promoting gender equality in studies and professions related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The project started on 1 April 2025, runs for three years, and involves six partners from Cyprus (CING, Be an ally Foundation), Greece (Challedu, Directorate of Secondary Education of Western Thessaloniki), Italy (Quality Culture) and the Netherlands (the University of Groningen).
The project’s primary objective is to identify the key factors that shape girls’ aspirations to study or pursue a career in the ICT field in Europe. Based on these findings, a pedagogical framework for educators will be designed and a pilot intervention will be implemented in schools and other educational settings. The aim is to submit evidence-based policy recommendations with a strong likelihood of increasing girls’ participation in ICT-related studies and professions.
The project is coordinated by Dr Margarita Zachariou, Associate Scientist at the Department of Bioinformatics, with the participation of members of the Department as well as CING’s Education Office. Bioinformatics practically highlights the importance of digital skills in contemporary research and innovation. The contribution of computer science and data analysis is leading to significant discoveries in biology and health, underscoring the need to strengthen women’s presence in ICT so that their talent is fully harnessed and girls are inspired to follow similar careers.
As Dr Zachariou states:
“Promoting gender equality in ICT is of crucial importance, as women remain under-represented in studies and professions in the field. Through pICTureURpath we seek to identify and highlight the factors that influence girls’ choices of studies and career paths, and to shape evidence-based policy proposals which will substantially contribute to strengthening their presence in these sectors. CING’s role as Coordinator is both an honour and a responsibility, enabling us to contribute actively to the promotion of an equitable and innovative society.”
Kick-off meeting of the project
On 26–27 June 2025, the project’s kick-off meeting was held in Athens, with the participation of all involved collaborators and partners. During the meeting, the partners defined clear roles and expectations for achieving the project’s objectives, as well as the foundations for effective communication.
International Information Day
On 25 September 2025, at 15:00 (online), the event “From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Empowering Girls in ICT” will explore ways to encourage more girls to pursue studies and careers in Information and Communication Technologies. Representatives from the fields of education, technology and policy will share experiences, good practices and solutions for removing barriers and creating new opportunities for the next generation in the digital world.
Further information about the pICTureURpath project and the invitation to the open event can be found at https://pictureurpath.eu/ and by contacting the project administrator Ms Katerina Michail at katerinam@cing.ac.cy.
Source: The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics | News & Events | Media (https://tinyurl.com/4ee38zc7)