Women in Science - Resources and links | Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences

News, Events and Resources:

Article published in Nature Neuroscience written by Ashley Bourke, Teresa Spanò and Erin M. Schuman

Structural barriers women face in the field of Neuroscience in Europe, the policies that have been implemented to overcome them and what steps need to be taken in the future.

Read the Nature Neuroscience article here

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Inequalities and biases affect all aspects of the research system – from how funding is allocated to the peer-review process. This collection of articles highlights how systemic racism, gender bias and other forms of inequality have a negative impact on the research enterprise.

Read about the work eLife is doing to tackle inequalities in research and publishing

Memoir of Mary Pickford FRS commissioned by The Royal Society. By John F. B. Morrison and John A. Russell

John F. B. Morrison and John A. Russell have recently completely a Biographical Memoir of Mary Pickford FRS. This documents Mary Pickford's life and research career. They have done a terrific job on what must have been a huge task given that Mary Pickford died in 2002 and retired from research in 1972. It is well worth reading. The Royal Society has agreed to make the PDF freely available and it can be accessed here:

Memoirs: Lillian Mary Pickford. 14 August 1902—14 August 2002

Suffrage Science Award

Congratulations to Prof Catherina Becker, Director of the Centre for Neuroregeneration, who has been awarded one of the Suffrage Science Awards supported by the MRC.

The Suffrage Science scheme recognises ten female scientists and a science communicator, chosen for their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others. Women make up less than one-eighth of science academy membership globally and this award, set up five years ago by the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College London, celebrates women already in science and encourages others to enter scientific subjects, and to stay.

College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine news

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS:

Portraits Of Women In Science

Breakthrough is a short film anthology from Science Friday and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) that follows women working at the forefront of their fields. Each episode blends deeply personal stories with innovative scientific research of women across STEM fields.

https://www.breakthroughfilms.org/

'I was born a woman. Thirteen years ago, at the age of 40, I decided to change my sex.'

Does gender matter?

The suggestion that women are not advancing in science because of innate inability is being taken seriously by some high-profile academics. Ben A. Barres explains what is wrong with the hypothesis.

Balancing family with a successful career in neuroscience

After years of hard work as a student and postdoc, stressful negotiations and restless nights of agony regarding your academic future, you managed to secure a Principal Investigator (PI) position and establish your own laboratory.....

Women in Neuroscience: A Call to Action

Message from the President: Women in Neuroscience: A Call to Action

IWiN Toolkit: Candidate Recruitment and Evaluation

Neuroscience departments and programs and SfN chapters that are working to increase awareness of the issues facing women in academia, and implement effective strategies to improve hiring practices have a new tool: the Increasing Women in Neuroscience (IWiN) presentation

Anne-Marie Slaughter’s ‘Unfinished Business’

Three years ago, Anne-Marie Slaughter wrote an article for The Atlantic about the difficulty of career advancement for professional women with children. “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” which has now grown into “Unfinished Business,” electrified readers. Slaughter’s criticisms of workplace policies and attitudes were not new, but her article had the force of her own belated awakening to the problem.

Science faculty’s subtle gender biases favor male students

Despite efforts to recruit and retain more women, a stark gender disparity persists within academic science.

Female academics: don't power dress, forget heels – and no flowing hair allowed

Women in academia are judged on their appearance. Feminine means frivolous, and those considered scruffy are subject to sexist assumptions.

Women need to be seen and heard at conferences

A neuroscience initiative is boosting the number of female invited speakers at meetings. Other disciplines should do the same.

History of women in science

Science shapes all aspects of the world as it is today, from technology to advancements in health and medicine. When people think of these advancements and the scientists behind them, it is generally the efforts of men that come to mind. Women have also contributed significantly to the world of science, but despite the strong presence of women in science-related fields, history has not given them the credit that they deserve.

CAREER MANAGEMENT & TRAINING:

Annieslist

Anneslist - Highlighting female systems neuroscientists

500 Women Scientists

500 Women Scientists - 'Our mission is to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible.'

Institute for Academic Development - IAD

IAD The IAD offers a wide range of courses, advice and support for PhD students, post-docs and PIs. All free and very useful, so don’t hesitate to go!

Dual career programs (examples of such programs in Germany and US): Munich Dual Career Office and Dual-Career Assistance

Aurora

ATHENA SWAN:

Athena SWAN - Recognising advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

About Athena Swan

VARIOUS:

Facebook page Women in Research

Project Implicit See how you get on in the Harvard Implicit Bias test about gender!

Female Conference Speaker Bingo

Inspiring the Future - Redraw the Balance video how children define career opportunities as male and female

Biaswatchneuro

Women in Science - Resources and links