The project launched in September 2025 in conjunction with the GENERA network’s General Assembly at the University of Limerick in Ireland and will run for three years. Out of all applications submitted in the most recent call, GENERA COPA was one of only 25 projects to be awarded funding.
For Tomas Brage, Professor of Mathematical Physics and project coordinator at Lund University, the engagement is about something very concrete:
“We know that issues of gender and diversity matter in all disciplines. But we also see that mathematics and physics, in particular, often lag behind, and that relatively few people are still given the opportunity to shape research. We simply risk missing out on both talent and important perspectives,” he explains.
The GENERA COPA project focuses specifically on the more mathematics-intensive areas of STEM, fields where equality initiatives have not always been as visible as, for example, in the life sciences. In practical terms, the project is about changing everyday academic life. New teaching components for students and early‑career researchers will be developed, inclusive teaching methods promoted, and mentoring at master’s and doctoral level strengthened.
“From Lund’s side, we contribute extensively through our experience of inclusive pedagogy and mentoring programmes that genuinely make a difference. We also have strong opportunities to disseminate materials and working methods via our digital platforms, for example through the Canvas learning management system,” says Tomas Brage.
GENERA COPA is coordinated by the German research centre DESY and is being carried out in collaboration with universities and research organisations in, among other countries, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Lithuania, Serbia, Israel and Switzerland.
More information about GENERA COPA is available on the project website.