STAGES has the general aim of making the most of the unprecedented opportunity, provided for by the EC, to leave the logic of pilot projects behind and launch structural change strategies addressing the many and interconnected layers of the problem of gender inequality in science from an integrated perspective, deeply involving human resources management in research institutions, modifying and gendering its basic tenets. Under the coordination of a national Government, and assisted by a research centre specialised in gender and science, 5 research institutes/universities from Italy, Germany, Denmark, Romania and the Netherlands will each implement a self tailored action plan including activities such as, among others: awareness-raising initiatives in high level institutional bodies; training modules on gender equality for internal decision makers; mentoring programmes for young women scientists; actions to enhance the visibility of women scientists; updated management and research assessment standards; course content development; leadership development; work-life balance measures; gender quotas in committees; promotion and retention policies. Negotiation with all relevant actors will play a key role in order to assure the effectiveness of the action plans and the future sustainability of the actions after the project lifespan. Sharing know how and experience will enhance the planned activities in a real time basis, giving the implementation a more participative and flexible approach. A set of central activities, including technical assistance, evaluation, accompanying research and drafting guidelines has been devised to facilitate the implementation of the action plans. International meetings on Gender and Science will be held and a special attention will be paid to dissemination activities, both at national and European level, also through the creation of national committees in the countries of each consortium member.