SciDev: Preventing Gender Bias via Curriculum

• Male-defined science policies and procedures often impede female researchers
• Scientists’ training should be considered inadequate without gender equality training
• Tailored awards, networking and mentoring can also help to boost women’s role

– See more at: http://www.scidev.net/global/gender/opinion/gender-equality-should-be-part-of-basic-science-training.html#sthash.ql4Ix7bh.dpuf

Consider an architect’s training. Part of it involves learning the technical requirements for buildings, the codes and standards established by the profession as well as those required by law. For example, one would never imagine that an architect’s training is adequate if she has not learned about the legal requirements associated with disability access.

Now take this model and transfer it to science. Like other aspects of science — such as research integrity — that constitute core values, norms and behaviour, gender equality should be part of any scientist’s basic training. It should also be part of the culture and ethos of science. – See more at: http://www.scidev.net/global/gender/opinion/gender-equality-should-be-part-of-basic-science-training.html#sthash.ql4Ix7bh.dpuf

Consider an architect’s training. Part of it involves learning the technical requirements for buildings, the codes and standards established by the profession as well as those required by law. For example, one would never imagine that an architect’s training is adequate if she has not learned about the legal requirements associated with disability access.

Now take this model and transfer it to science. Like other aspects of science — such as research integrity — that constitute core values, norms and behaviour, gender equality should be part of any scientist’s basic training. It should also be part of the culture and ethos of science. – See more at: http://www.scidev.net/global/gender/opinion/gender-equality-should-be-part-of-basic-science-training.html#sthash.ql4Ix7bh.dpuf

Copyright: Chris Stowers / Panos