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| University of Cambridge > School of the Biological Sciences > Women.Biology |
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Women@biologyUniversity Initiatives for women in scienceThe University, a member of the Opportunity Now Campaign, has published annual reports on its targets in the Reporter. Since the last report, the University has been a finalist for the Opportunity Now Education award in 2003.The most recent information on equality and diversity within the University is published in the annual Equality and Diversity Report, available from the Equality and Diversity website. WiSETIAs a direct result of Opportunity Now, The University identified culture changes that needed to be made in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) within the University. The Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative (WiSETI) was set up in 1999. Further information about the initiative can be found on the WiSETI website.Recruitment and Retention in SETAs part of WiSETI's second phase of projects, two part time recruitment officers, Dr Alison Maguire (Biological Sciences) and Dr Esther Haines (Physical Sciences and Technology) were appointed in October 2003.MentoringSince 1996, the University has formally required institutions to make mentoring arrangements for newly appointed members of staff, and considers mentoring to be particularly relevant to staff in academic, academic-related and contract research posts. The value of mentoring is often overlooked, yet outside the University, mentoring is considered paramount to the career success of individuals, especially women. In some companies, employees are not only matched up with mentors, but mentors are required to attend courses on how to be a good mentor. If you would like a mentor, or to be a mentor, talk to your departmental administrator, or contact us. The Staff Development Office offers a course on mentoring (see below), and the University has received a grant from the Citigroup Foundation for MentorNet, an international e-mentoring scheme for female undergraduate and postgraduate science, engineering and technology students. MentorSET is a national mentoring scheme available to all women in science, engineering and technology.Information sources for job-huntingWithin the UniversityOutside the University
Women-friendly Grants and FundingThe Royal Society website includes details of its funding and fellowship programmes which include:The policy of the Wellcome Trust is to allow for flexibility in career development. The initiatives are outlined on their website and the Trust have recently introduced a re-entry Fellowship scheme for scientists who have taken a career break from science for at least 2 years, and who wish to return to the bench. See also Who Applies for Research Funding?. The MRC have introduced a new funding scheme to help new investigators setting out on a career in research, to help initiate their independent research career (3-10 years postdoc experience, account being taken of any career breaks). Details of all MRC funding opportunities are available here. The BBSRC supports the Daphne Jackson Memorial Fellowships for scientists who have taken a career break for family or other reasons. Further information about the Daphne Jackson Fellowship scheme is also available here. Details about other BBSRC funding programmes are also available on-line. The European Molecular Biology Organization website has information about its EMBO fellowship programme with extended eligibility criteria to promote equal opportunity. These fellowships are available to scientists who have interupted their career for at least 1 year due to childcare commitments. The fellowships allow for part-time or combined part-time/full-time research to be undertaken. The bi-annual application deadline is 15th February and 15th August. There are also pages devoted to Women in Science. See also the School's comprehensive list of funds and fellowships. University Grants and Hardship FundsSome funds may also be available to individuals who are not currently members of the University, or who are employees, but not in statu pupillari (see in particular the special number of the Reporter, Awards, Funds, Studentships and Prizes published during Michaelmas term each year. Career and personal developmentThe Careers Service regularly runs career events and has lots of useful advice (printed and tailored to individuals in one-to-one meetings with careers advisors) on careers, companies and institutions, at its office in Mill Lane.The Staff Development team run many course of interest e.g. Look at the complete listing-there's something for everyone! Women's Networks, mailing lists etcOther Useful Links |
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