The ATHENA3-partners have taken thhe initiative to apply for funding a new innovative Ersamus network, dedicated at increased impact of specialized knowledge on gender on education, policy making and civil society within and beyond Europe. Called ATHENA4-Transversal Impact of Advanced Gender Studies (ATHENA4-TI) the new academic network is proposed by the successful ATHENA network, nominated as a successtory for the DG EAC’s brochure on Social Inclusion in 2010. The aim of ATHENA4-TI is to expand and deepen the impact of the expertise in teaching advanced Gender Studies fields by developing, in close cooperation with target groups: new teaching tools, modules, instruments and material. The ATHENA4-TI, an academic network of 106 partners in almost all EU-countries is the next phase of the three cycles of TNs in advanced women’s studies (1999-2009) that have established European women’s studies in education and research, and that founded (in 2009) the European professional association for Gender connecting academics and civil society (ATGENDER). The successful consolidation of Gender Studies as an educational field with in European academic humanistic sciences now requires intensified exchange with other domains to make sure the expertise developed will be used in the wider contexts. ATHENA4-TI consists of 14 projects in which gender studies specialists work with new partners. The projects address the implementation of European gender expertise in four new domains: other continents, education in professional traning and cultural institutions, in new disciplines and by new generations. All projects will draw on the outcomes and results of previous ATHENA-networks but will go beyond simple ‘export’ of European gender studies. They continue the robust ATHENA-tradition of connecting universities and civil society in order to foster social inclusion. Through ATHENA4–TI European Gender studies will deepen its impact as an instrument for innovative curriculum development (quality assessment & learning outcomes), as an indispensible element in fostering social inclusion and European diversity, and as a tool and knowledge base for policy makers and women’s organizations committed to gender equality.

If you are interested in joining ATHENA4- TI if or when funding would be granted, please contact the central coordination: athena@uu.nl

ATHENA4- TRANSVERSAL IMPACT. APPLICATION