Author Archives: Athene Donald

Sausage Machines in the Academic Lab

There was a bit of a spat over Twitter last week regarding how many hours students (and postdocs) should be expected to do at the bench. This originated in a tweet from a professor of chemistry but I don’t think … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture, Science Funding | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Do You Know How Many Children Boris Has?

Today I was giving a talk within the University about building an inclusive workplace; more than just about gender, of course, but that is where the majority of my experience lies. There are so many obstacles, big and small, which … Continue reading

Posted in Equality | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Who Do You Think You Are?

This is not about the TV programme of the same name. I would not be a good contender for that because, at least on one side of the family, I know quite a lot about my antecedents so I doubt … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture, Women in Science | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Who Do You Think You Are?

50 Years Is Not Long Enough

Last weekend I returned to Girton College to join the celebrations for 150 years since its Foundation (albeit the college was originally situated in Hitchin). This was the college of my undergraduate and postgraduate years. When I entered the college … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Equality, Women in Science | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 50 Years Is Not Long Enough

Unconscious Bias Training Isn’t a Magic Wand

This week saw a sober assessment of the impact – both positive but also depressingly negative – of schemes to improve gender equality. As the Athena Swan Review Group wrestles with how to improve their own awards, it is important … Continue reading

Posted in Equality, Science Culture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments