WISDATABASE to Raise the Profile of Women Researchers in Psychology and Neuroscience
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Royal Holloway University of London, the British Psychological Society and the British Neuroscience Association are proud to announce a new initiative, the Women in Science Database (WISDATABASE), to recognise the contribution of women to psychology and neuroscience research.
WISDATABASE will tackle the problem of under-representation of women in science by raising awareness of their achievements. Initially about 2000 women psychologists and neuroscientists will be invited by email to join, but all women scientists in these fields, across academia, industry and the third sector, are encouraged to participate. They can do so either by replying to those emails, completing the online form or writing to wisdatabase@royalholloway.ac.uk.
The project is assisted by a steering group that includes Professor Jackie Hunter, (CEO of BenevolentBio and former Chief Executive of the BBSRC), well known for her work in promoting the equality in science. Stephen Metcalfe MP is also on the steering group and is a member of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Narender Ramnani, Professor of Neuroscience at Royal Holloway University of London and chair of the project, said:
“Women scientists are under-represented in positions of visibility, influence and authority in every area of scientific activity (for example, funding panels, senior academic decision-making roles, and keynote speakers at conferences). Our project will play a part in levelling the playing field.
“WISDATABASE will make the achievements and expertise of women scientists public and searchable so that they can be recruited into positions of influence quickly and easily. Increasing diversity impacts positively on science as it does in every other sphere.”
Sarb Bajwa, BPS Chief Executive, said:
“Psychology is overwhelmingly female and yet time and time again we find that these very same scientists are not represented or listened to at the various fora where decisions regarding the future of the profession are made.
“Our values at BPS demand that policies and practices take into consideration diversity, equality and inclusivity. This is why we felt it was so important to support this project.”
This article has been republished from materials provided by The British Psychological Society. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.
Click here to visit the WISDATABASE website.
