UK universities sign up to charter for women scientists
A charter for women in science, engineering and technology has been launched in the UK with the aim of tackling gender inequalities in universities. The six-point charter has been drawn up by the Athena project and the Scientific Women's Academic Network. All universities that sign up will commit themselves to bringing about cultural change within academia. The initiative also includes awards for institutions that make changes. The principles enshrined in the charter are the following: - addressing gender inequalities requires commitment and action from everyone, at all levels of the organisation; - tackling the unequal representation of women in science requires changing cultures and attitudes across the organisation; - the high loss rate of women in science is an urgent concern, which the organisation will address; - use of short-term contracts has particularly negative consequences for the retention and progression of women in science, which the university recognises; - transition from PhD into a sustainable academic career in science can be particularly difficult for women and requires active consideration by the organisation; - the absence of diversity at management and policy-making levels has broad implications which the organisation will examine. Ten universities have already signed up, including Bristol, Cambridge, Heriot Watt, Oxford and Southampton. Meanwhile in the US, Harvard University is to spend USD 50 million (41.1 million euro) on women scientists over the next ten years. The funding announcement followed controversial comments by the university's president on women scientists' aptitude.
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United Kingdom