Author Archives: Athene Donald

When Should You Say Yes?

Posted on 29 January 2018 by Athene Donald

I am prompted to ask this question by a whole slew of different events and stories this past week. The question is in part a general one about what is good for careers, and in part it reflects gender issues … Continue reading →

Posted in committee work, Impostor syndrome, manel, Science Culture, Women in science | Comments Off on When Should You Say Yes?

Now I understand Proust better (but feel less positive about Athena Swan)

Posted on 22 January 2018 by Athene Donald

You know the story about Marcel Proust and the madeleine – how the memories came flooding back when he nibbled at one with a cup of tea. I always thought this was slightly ridiculous, but perhaps ageing means I now … Continue reading →

Posted in Athena Swan, Dillon's, UCL, Women in science | Comments Off on Now I understand Proust better (but feel less positive about Athena Swan)

Changing the Patriarchy (Perhaps)

Posted on 14 January 2018 by Athene Donald

I’m afraid this is going to be a derivative blog. Derivative because I’m prompted to write it due to two recent articles I’ve read, but I’d like to turn their ideas into the world of academia. The first was in … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Hadley Freeman, Kate Manne, misogyny, sexism | Comments Off on Changing the Patriarchy (Perhaps)

‘I do like kissing games’

Posted on 7 January 2018 by Athene Donald

After Harvey Weinstein there have been suggestions that we’ve reached a ‘tipping point’, that the genie can’t be put back into the bottle and that our society will clean itself up with respect to sexual harassment. I wish. In the … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, harassment, Harvey Weinstein, misogyny, name-calling, Women in science | Comments Off on ‘I do like kissing games’

How the Financial Sector Hinders Manufacturing

Posted on 30 December 2017 by Athene Donald

As 2018 approaches, the UK’s economic future seems as uncertain as ever. I think we can conclude with conviction that our country is anything but ‘strong and stable’ and the mantra that Brexit means Brexit has been shown up for … Continue reading →

Posted in fund managers, ICI, Science Culture, Tom Brown | Comments Off on How the Financial Sector Hinders Manufacturing

Is the THE aiming for clickbait?

Posted on 27 December 2017 by Athene Donald

Just before Christmas on Twitter I came across a survey being run by the THE asking THE is running a survey about whether women should champion other women in academic careers. What do you think? I duly went to this … Continue reading →

Posted in academic sisterhood, early career researchers, Equality, mentors, Women in science | Comments Off on Is the THE aiming for clickbait?

Taking the Chair

Posted on 16 December 2017 by Athene Donald

Robert Mackintosh recently wrote an article in the THE about how to chair a meeting. This is a topic that I have dealt with before on my blog in light-hearted vein – describing those chairs you really hope you never … Continue reading →

Posted in committee meetings, early career researcher, Science Culture, skills | Comments Off on Taking the Chair

Assertively Asking Questions

Posted on 10 December 2017 by Athene Donald

Different sources pointed me towards a paper appearing on the Arχiv this week discussing when and why men and women ask questions after a seminar presentation. A brief write up even appeared in The Economist, a sure indicator that a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alecia Carter, conference, seminar, Women in science | Comments Off on Assertively Asking Questions

Inclusive Leadership

Posted on 6 December 2017 by Athene Donald

This week I attended an event in the University exploring, broadly speaking, how we can do ‘inclusive leadership’ better. Kicked off by a talk by  Barbara Stocking, President of the women’s college Murray Edwards, who was talking about the various … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, maternity leave, Recruitment, Science Culture, Unconscious bias | Comments Off on Inclusive Leadership

Industrial Strategy and the Pipeline of Talent

Posted on 3 December 2017 by Athene Donald

It was unfortunate that the Industrial Strategy White Paper was released on the same day as the Royal Engagement became public. It may not have been intended to be published on a ‘good day to bury bad news’, but it … Continue reading →

Posted in computing, education, further maths, Industrial Strategy White Paper, productivity, Science Funding | Comments Off on Industrial Strategy and the Pipeline of Talent