It’s that time of year when we look back and reflect on what we have achieved this year. Women in Science AUSTRALIA did just that in our first Annual General Meeting at the end of November. As the founding co-Chairs of Women in Science AUSTRALIA, Michelle and I have had the privilege to both participate … More ‘Tis the season
Imagine you are 31 years old, starting your second post-doc and excited about the new career opportunities to come. You love doing research and have done relatively well to secure a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Fellowship. Until one day you are diagnosed with cancer. Not any type of cancer, but … More Surviving science during adversity
It is well known that women are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines internationally, and that societal beliefs and learning environments, such as negative stereotypes, lower female test performances and aspirations for careers in STEM. At The University of New England (UNE) in regional NSW, we have developed a mentoring program called … More Balancing the gender equation
Don’t lean back before you are at the point where you actually need to lean back. If you really want a research career … Don’t start thinking ‘oh in two years’ time I want to have a family so I better not take that position today’ (Williams, 2015) This quote has resonated with me ever … More “Don’t lean back” says empowering panel for women in research
This week we learn more about a progressive Victorian initiative - the Inspiring Women program. veski aims to identify globally competitive individuals and leading researchers and bring them to Victoria to foster an innovation economy. This exciting new program is targeted toward women in science. *** veski and the Office of the Lead Scientist supports three-pronged … More Enhancing Victoria’s current talent pool and affecting cultural change across our research & innovation communities…
Although I have spent the vast majority of my professional time in publishing, I still think of myself first and foremost as a scientist. Science research filled my working hours for just a few years, so why do I persist in seeing myself in this light? The answer is in my way of thinking. To … More Science as a State of Mind
As the year draws to a close and we reflect on the changes we have seen in the last 12 months – you could say it has been a ‘transformational year’ for women in science! New groups at all levels – local, state and national - have gained momentum and strengthened ties. Women in science … More A transformational year for women in science
Professor Tim Wess FRSA FSB FRSNSW is Executive Dean at Charles Sturt University. Before relocating to Australia Tim held senior roles at a number of leading UK universities including Cardiff University. When not working or cycling to work, he likes to study language especially minority ones from places he has lived. Tim now lives in … More The Silver Lining of Gender Equity – Best Practices and Policies in Action
“Why, me?” I asked, when the invitation came to write for this blog. “I’m not a woman in science — not anymore.” Then I considered that the most useful thing I could write was the story of how a talented 25-year-old rolled out of Imperial College clutching an Astrophysics PhD and a one-way ticket to … More There are many ways to be a scientist — academia needs to start recognising more of them
Dr Susan Pond AM, MD DSc, FTSE is the Vice President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and serves on the Boards of Innovation Australia and Biotron Ltd. She is also Adjunct Professor at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney where she leads the alternative transport fuels initiative. Susan … More Women Face a Thicket of Obstacles