From Questions to Institutionalisation – How to Embed Women’s Health Priorities in EU Research and Policy

Key Takeaways

• Institutionalise question-driven research across EU funding calls
• Create public European Women’s Health Question Catalogue
• Position women’s health as EU competitiveness driver
• Embed dedicated funding in the Multiannual Financial Framework
• Align private‑sector incentives with health innovation goals

Summary

The Governance Lab and CEPS used the 100 Questions Initiative to move EU women’s‑health research from priority‑setting to implementation. They propose institutionalising question‑driven research, creating a public catalogue of women’s‑health questions, and framing the field as a competitiveness priority. Embedding these goals in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework would secure dedicated funding and reduce fragmentation. The aim is to align policy, research, and private‑sector incentives to strengthen Europe’s leadership in health innovation.

Pulse Analysis

The European Union has long invested billions in health research, yet women’s‑specific health challenges remain under‑addressed. The 100 Questions Initiative, convened by the Governance Lab and CEPS, seeks to close this gap by shifting focus from merely identifying research gaps to embedding those questions within the EU’s funding architecture. By mandating a clear "question statement" in grant proposals and launching a centralized Women’s Health Question Catalogue, policymakers can ensure that research agendas directly reflect the most pressing gender‑related health issues.

Institutionalising question‑driven research transforms how projects are conceived, evaluated, and funded. When funding calls require applicants to articulate the precise health question they aim to answer, reviewers can prioritize studies that fill critical evidence voids, fostering a more efficient allocation of resources. A public catalogue further standardises terminology and provides a reference point for both public and private actors, reducing duplication and encouraging collaborative solutions that align with EU strategic objectives.

Framing women’s health as a competitiveness priority and embedding it within the Multiannual Financial Framework amplifies its economic relevance. Dedicated budget lines, targeted innovation challenges, and integration with the European Innovation Council can attract private‑sector investment and accelerate market‑ready solutions. This coordinated approach not only strengthens Europe’s global leadership in health technology but also delivers tangible benefits for citizens by addressing gender disparities in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.