Category Archives: Science Culture

Conferences and Courage

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Athene Donald

Exactly a year ago I wrote about the annual High Polymer Research Group Conference, held at the edge of the Peak District. Over the years I have watched it transform from an inward-looking cliquey organisation, where I initially sat right … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

How Many Arms do you Have?

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Athene Donald

I was amused  by the throwaway comment Bettany Hughes made in her recent TV programme Divine Women  about the Hindu Goddess Kali’s many arms being ideal for multitasking. Academics of all ages would benefit from growing a few more limbs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Mentors, Friends and Saying No

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Athene Donald

Who needs mentors? It is clear that when setting out on a career, having supportive mentors can be immensely helpful: people who you can turn to for advice when decision crunch-time comes, or who provide pointers about things you should … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Is (or was) your PhD an Ordeal?

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Athene Donald

If you answered yes to the question in the title, a recent report suggests you may be a chemist, and more specifically a female chemist.  A study carried out by the UKRC for the RSC about the PhD experience for … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Science Culture, Women in Science | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Taking Precautions

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Athene Donald

I have been reading the biography of Barbara Wootton by Ann Oakley. Baroness Wootton was a remarkable woman  (or, as the title of the book says, A Critical Woman), with an astonishing number of firsts to her name. Born in … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 2 Comments