This report is based on a workshop held at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, 23-24 October .2003, entitled: ‘Minimising gender bias in the definition and measurement of scientific excellence”. The aim of the workshop was to explore the mechanisms and present modes of evaluation of scientific excellence, considering in particular whether the achievements of women and men scientists are assessed on the same basis. The report comprises a synthesis of the papers at the workshop and the discussions that took place around them, followed by experts´ papers.