Author Archives: Athene Donald

Women in Science: Why Can’t this Problem be Fixed?

The newspapers these days run almost daily stories about sexism and women being disadvantaged in one way or another (plus the occasional response that it is men that are being hit hardest by current circumstances). For women in STEM the … Continue reading

Posted in Equality, ERC, funders, leaky pipeline, Londa Schiebinger, Science and Technology Select Committee, stereotype threat, Women in science | Comments Off on Women in Science: Why Can’t this Problem be Fixed?

Where’s an Industrial Policy When You Want One?

A little while ago I had the pleasure of hosting the visit of Chukka Umunna (Shadow Business Minister)  to the University of Cambridge to discuss the UK’s industrial strategy or, perhaps more accurately, its lack thereof.  Over a sandwich lunch … Continue reading

Posted in Chuka Umunna, industry, Policy, Richard Jones, Science Culture, Science Funding | Comments Off on Where’s an Industrial Policy When You Want One?

Courage, Inadequacy and Taking the Plunge

It’s almost two years since I wrote about the dangers of looking at people you respect through rose-tinted glasses. That post was prompted by a relatively junior scientist losing their nerve after they had directly challenged something I’d said and … Continue reading

Posted in confidence, Impostor syndrome, Mrs Moneypenny, Science Culture, Women in science | Comments Off on Courage, Inadequacy and Taking the Plunge

Tackling the Intangible

A couple of weeks ago I attended a brief talk given by Baroness Ruth Deech at a careers evening for law students at Newnham College (all female). Her talk was followed by others from two recent graduates from the college … Continue reading

Posted in Baroness Deech, Equality, Science Culture, women in medicine, Women in science, working environment | Comments Off on Tackling the Intangible

The Ghost of Oneself on the Web

Comedians complain about it, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t too. They complain because U-tube, iPlayer etc mean that their jokes can’t be repeatedly recycled the way they were in the good old days. Once they’ve told one that’s … Continue reading

Posted in accuracy, biography, Communicating Science, Science Culture, seminars, Uta Frith | Comments Off on The Ghost of Oneself on the Web

Why are Scientists off the Radar?

There are those who believe that one should never have “women-only” lists of anything and that even the venerable BBC programme Woman’s Hour should be banned because there isn’t a Man’s Hour on Radio 4. This viewpoint has it that all … Continue reading

Posted in BBC, Communicating Science, lists, media | Comments Off on Why are Scientists off the Radar?

Recycling Talks

You know that sinking feeling. You have a talk, at a conference or another university, coming up in fewer days (possibly even hours) than you feel comfortable with and the temptation is great to dig into the files and simply … Continue reading

Posted in Communicating Science, early career researcher, Powerpoint, presentation, Research, seminars | Comments Off on Recycling Talks

Retrospective Impact

Recently I participated in a so-called ‘speed dating’ event for schoolgirls, organised under the auspices of Inspiring the Future: Inspiring Women campaign which this event was launching. Spearheaded by Miriam Gonzalez (aka Nick Clegg’s wife, who is an international lawyer … Continue reading

Posted in Career advice, Communicating Science, education, girls, media | Comments Off on Retrospective Impact

Levelling the European Playing Field

One of the good things about (certain) committees is that one learns so much. That may not be everyone’s experience but over the years I personally have found many committees – though most certainly not all – very educational. I … Continue reading

Posted in CV, ERC, maternity leave, research grants, Women in science | Comments Off on Levelling the European Playing Field

Jettisoning One’s Past

When you have been inhabiting any space for a substantial length of time it tends to be somewhat dispiriting and challenging to move out and move on.  Quite unconnected with any of the other moves I’ve written about recently (here … Continue reading

Posted in academia, offices, paperwork, Science Culture | Comments Off on Jettisoning One’s Past