Other Equality Resources

General Resources

A 2011 article in PNAS published on 7 Feb suggests that, while overt sexism seems to have declined, societal barriers still prevent women from bridging the science gender gap. Read Nature’s news summary of the article here.

NSF research report: “Why so few?”, and the associated New York Times article, suggest that bias and stereotypes still pose significant hurdles to women in science.

 *Sex and Science: Tips for Faculty*. Compiled by the Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute, this pdf describes actions all can take to improve their workplace environment. The illustrations of workplace ‘climate’ are also interesting.

 *How we inadvertently hinder those we try to support (or, how to write a letter of recommendation)*. At the end of this pdf are examples of how the language used in a reference letter can give different impressions of two candidates with very similar qualifications. A number of studies show that letter writers tend to use stronger terms for male candidates than for female candidates.

 *If MIT can do it, so can we. Diversification of a University Faculty: Observations on Hiring Women Faculty in the Schools of Science and Engineering at MIT*. This report documents the efforts made by MIT to improve diversity in their science and engineering departments. They find that usual departmental hiring processes do not always identify exceptional female candidates. Also, they suggest that increases in the representation of women and minorities don’t just “happen,” but result from specific pressures, policies, and positive initiatives; and that when these pressures abate or expire, hiring progress stops or even reverses.

*How not to break the law: Positive Action versus Positive Discrimination*: Generally, “positive discrimination” is prohibited in employment. “Positive action” however, is permitted and may even be required in certain circumstances (particularly for public sector organisations).

Barriers to Women in Science: National Academies evidence-based report

The National Academies investigated barriers women face in science. The full report is informative, evidence-based documentation of causes and solutions. We have a hard copy in the library. Highlights below–a must read for anyone who is or interacts with a woman in science.

Summary: the findings of the report.

Misconceptions: Evidence refuting common beliefs about causes for gender disparity in science.

How Johns Hopkins improved retention and promotion of women faculty without changing evaluation criteria

The NIH Pioneer Award: how small changes make a big impact on diversity in grant awards (read through to second page for the full story).

Organisations for Women in Science

Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), which now incorporates the UK Resource Council (UKRC): A comprehensive resource for women and men.

Check out:

• their resources, including good practice guides on  mentoring,  recruitment,  workplace culture, and more.
• their research into  how the media portrays female scientists.
• Their database for women in science. You can join, or use it to find female scientists in particular areas.

University of Cambridge Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology Initiative (WiSETI)

Association for Women in Science (AWiS) Highlights include their Career Library resources, Awards/Funding, and the Mentoring handbook

Women in Cognitive Science (USA)

Women in Neuroscience Includes achievement and travel award info, sfn mentoring program info