Female researchers in STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) fields are underrepresented across the world. Particularly, the gender of an author in a scientific field, as well as the topic of their research, could impact evaluations of the scientific quality of their research. There are some observational studies of this pattern and it has been surmised that otherwise identical scientific research may be associated with higher scientific quality when produced by a male scholar than women’s work in the same field. When it comes to researcher mobility and scholarly exchange, men are often more attractive candidates than women.

This webinar proposes to highlight the state of gender bias in science in Europe and Japan; remedies for the “Matilda effect” — the consistent under-recognition of female scientists — and reflect on how gender biases affect science communication; and show a few best practice examples of what grants are available exclusively to women. Speakers will also discuss how gender role incongruity might affect assessments of scientific quality and interest in collaboration, and what has been done so far to change this trajectory, especially via available funding and other means of assistance.

EMPOWERMENT of FEMALE RESEARCHERS: DIVERSITY in EU and JAPAN Perspectives | EURAXESS (europa.eu)

16:30-16:40JST/9:30-9:40CEST

“Diversity and Gender Equality in Private Universities in Japan”

Tamao Saito
Head of the Diversity Global Research Division
Sophia University