Current Strengths & Weaknesses: Koç University has a strong focus on gender research, with KOÇ-KAM serving as an interdisciplinary hub for gender research and a competitive funding program to support outstanding academic research projects on gender issues. However, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge on the integration of gender analysis through research among academics and research management staff. There is also no clear commitment to incorporating gender equality through research conducted at KU, and women are significantly underrepresented in technology transfer and commercialization stages.

To address these issues, the KUGEP recommends several objectives and actions. These include achieving gender balance in research teams and labs by raising awareness and encouraging research leaders to make gender-conscious choices regarding recruitment. The program also recommends raising awareness of gender mainstreaming in research through campaigns and developing an online library and course for doctoral students.

To increase the visibility of gender-specific research and female researchers, the KUGEP recommends establishing institutional mechanisms to provide effective presentation and dissemination of gender-specific research results and outcomes. The program also recommends guidance and support for female researchers to promote and increase the visibility of their research, as well as institutional support to promote and increase the visibility of the research outputs of KU researchers on women-specific issues.

To improve gender diversity in STEM, the KUGEP recommends establishing networks and mentoring schemes for female scientists and researchers in STEM and sharing personal narratives and behind-the-scenes stories of female scientists through seminar series.

Finally, to enhance and inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship framework, the KUGEP recommends conducting an overall institutional assessment of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the institution to see if it is inclusive of all genders. The program also recommends developing specialized support and mentoring programs for female employees and doctoral students who have innovative and entrepreneurial potential.