Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann, Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Program and founder of WINS, teams up with Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick, a distinguished professor and leader in scleroderma research. Together, they tackle the challenges women face in advancing scientific careers. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking, discussing how WINS fosters professional growth in scleroderma. Their insights highlight collective efforts needed to empower women in academia and ensure gender equity in research fields, fueling a vital conversation for future generations.
Despite women holding a majority of junior faculty roles, their representation significantly declines in senior academic positions, illustrating a major career advancement barrier.
Initiatives like the Women in Scleroderma (WINS) program and workshops for career development are crucial for fostering mentorship and promoting gender equity in science.
Deep dives
Challenges Facing Women in Academia
Women are significantly underrepresented in academic positions despite making up the majority of junior faculty roles. While 59% of instructor-level positions are held by women, this number drops significantly as women advance through the ranks. Only 29% of full professors and between 25% and 35% of department chairs are women, highlighting a concerning trend of attrition known as the 'broken pipeline.' Despite some improvements, it remains clear that the academic landscape needs further efforts to promote gender parity.
Effective Strategies for Supporting Women in Science
To address the challenges faced by women in academia, a combination of initiatives has proven effective in promoting gender equity. Programs such as workshops focused on negotiation skills, career development, and peer mentoring have been implemented. These initiatives not only aim to prepare women for promotions but also offer support through external grant reviews and networking opportunities. Additional efforts, like a manuscript editing service and outreach programs to inspire young girls in STEM, further enhance the visibility and success of women in science.
Formation and Impact of WINS
The Women in Scleroderma (WINS) initiative was created to advocate for gender equity in the scleroderma research community. With a mission to monitor gender disparity, provide resources, and connect women at all career stages, WINS has attracted over 250 members globally. This organization facilitates peer coaching and mentoring, ensuring that women are supported during pivotal moments in their careers. By creating a diverse advisory board and promoting collaboration, WINS seeks to transform the landscape for women working in this field and cultivate future leaders.
As our weekend here in Washington D.C. draws to an end, we turn our spotlight on an important and timely conversation from the "Sponsoring Women in Science" session. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann and Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick to explore the challenges women face in advancing their careers in the sciences. Our guests share insights on how to address the barriers that often impede career development for women, discuss strategies for fostering support and mentorship, and highlight the importance of growing awareness around these critical issues.
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