This study examines the reasons behind women dropping out of research careers, which results in an underrepresentation of women in leading positions in the academia. It highlights the factors involved in gender inequality in research such as: bias against women´s qualifications, gender pay gap, lack of an appropriate gender dimension in research design, implementation and organisation. Furthermore, it describes the priority actions to promote gender diversity, develop gender equality strategies and action plans, involving policy makers, funders and other actors in promoting gender equality at universities.