A Dutch university is appointing only female academic staff for at least the next 18 months to improve its gender balance.

Eindhoven University of Technology, located in an area known for its high-tech business, currently has the Netherlands’ lowest proportion of women in its academic workforce.

After years of failed targets, the university has decided to take what it calls “bold” move: a new programme, the Irène Curie Fellowship – named after celebrated scientist Marie Curie’s daughter – has been established to appoint only female professors, associate and assistant professors.

“Our objectives to increase the numbers of women are years old, and we are not getting there,” said Ivo Jongsma, science information officer.

“It’s difficult to pinpoint the specific reason, but we are convinced that we have this implicit gender bias, and even women who are hiring think a man will do the job better.”

Rector Frank Baaijens is also convinced that “a diverse workforce performs better” and so for the next 18 months, 100 per cent of available jobs will be allocated to the Irène Curie programme, for female applicants.

The scheme will run for five years in total, and positions for the first six months will be advertised next month.