Integration of the sex and gender dimension in life sciences research - handbook

This handbook provides a comprehensive guide for trainers aiming to incorporate the sex and gender dimension into life sciences research. The handbook includes case studies and implementation guidelines to assist trainers in delivering effective training sessions.

The case studies section covers various topics, exploring various didactic activities, presenting relevant literature, and providing key takeaways for the trainers. From the definitions of "sex" and "gender" and their implications in life sciences research to the complexities of moving beyond binary classifications, the concept of intersectionality, and the social impact of technology in the postgenomic era, the case studies highlight the importance of integrating a sex and gender-sensitive perspective in science, offering trainers practical examples to incorporate into their training sessions. This section explores the integration of the sex and gender dimensions into tools for bias mitigation. It delves into specific areas such as genetics, drug development, single cell multiomics, and artificial intelligence. The final section of the handbook presents implementation guidelines to assist trainers in enhancing communication skills, leading interactive sessions, and evaluating learning outcomes. It also provides a list of additional recommended readings for further topic exploration.

Overall, this handbook equips trainers with the necessary tools, case studies, and implementation guidelines to effectively integrate the sex and gender dimensions in life sciences research. By promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive approach, trainers can foster greater understanding and contribute to advancements in the field.

The materials in this handbook were developed as part of the 3rd EOSC-Life Training Open Call. This resulted in the creation of the handbook, as well as a practical "Train the Trainer" session that took place in Barcelona at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in June 2023.