Practicing excellence in European Research Council (ERC) panels

We collected data about past performance of the applicants and interviewed panel members about how selection criteria are practiced in general and specifically for female vs. male applicants. Controlling for past performance, we found gender bias. The analysis of the interviews provides empirical evidence that current evaluation practices are suboptimal, leading to some gender-biased (gendered) practices. Providing empirical evidence of gendered practices raises gender awareness and gives a chance to modify and improve them.