SUMMARY

The main objective of the COST Action MP1210 The String Theory Universe [1], which remained in force for four years starting on March 2013 was to exploit complementary expertise of different research groups in Europe to enhance the understanding of String Theory and its applications to Particle Physics, Condensed Matter, Cosmology and Quantum Gravity. Reflecting the real gender imbalance in the field, only a 15% of the participants in the Action were women. Well aware of this huge gender imbalance, different measures were implemented in order to raise the gender issue within the community and try to redress the situation. Among the most significant measures were the starting of a series of workshops on ‘String Theory and Gender’, bringing together gender experts and string theorists, the launching of surveys on gender activities and a theater performance, based on anecdotes of gender bias in professional situations that were reported anonymously by women participants in the Action. Besides a remarkable scientific output, reflected in the large number of scientific publications and new collaborations, the Action has had an enormous impact in its objective of raising awareness on the gender issues in a community that, in the best of cases, considered it a minor or private issue. It has also set a model for other Actions and grants to include gender issues among their goals. As a plus, it has left a strong bond among the women working in the field and some of their male colleagues. A very successful forum and mailing list WomenStrings, with a growing number of subscribers, has been created that will allow to maintain the connection and the benefit for the years to come. A working group including former members of the Action, men and women, as well as representative scientists from other countries, will promote specific measures in gender identified during the Action.

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