Greater role for women in science policy development An EU-funded initiative brought together women of various cultural, geographic and professional backgrounds for an open dialogue regarding biotechnology. The outcomes support the need for a greater role of women in tackling difficult issues in science and technology. Digital Economy © Shutterstock The ‘Women on biotechnology scientific and feminist approaches’ (Wonbit) project was designed to organise an international conference focused on women and biotechnology. Specifically, the investigators wanted to bring together women from a variety of fields, including biotechnology, economics, sociology and philosophy, and to stimulate public debate. In addition to the various fields of work represented, women from a variety of geographical and cultural backgrounds participated in the conference, among them numerous young women. Participants included feminists, researchers and policymakers at all levels, among them heads of labs, heads of research institutes, public officers and women in charge of regional research policies development. Perhaps the most important outcome of the conference was that, despite the diversity and differences in backgrounds, opinions and professional levels, the conference proved to be an unbiased, open, respectful and interactive forum for the exchange of ideas regarding women in biotechnology. Women’s forte in communication is widely recognised, as is their sensitivity, which presumably enhances the aforementioned strength. Thus, women are well positioned to participate in productive dialogues leading to humane solutions to today’s complex biotechnology issues. In addition, the Wonbit project outcomes suggest that these strengths of women would be well utilised in tackling other ‘hot topics’ in science and technology. The results of the Wonbit project support a greater role for women in science programme and policy debates, leading to a better understanding of complex topics and the establishment of a common framework for future objectives.
