Twenty-First Century Minerva: Are there career impacts for women who receive a “Women in Science” Fellowship?

Authors

  • Patricia Weir University of Queensland
  • Joan Leach University of Queensland
  • Jenny Gamble Griffith University
  • Debra Creedy Griffith University

Keywords:

women in science, science awards, L’Oréal International Fellowship, science careers

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the impact of an international award on women scientists’ careers. Participants were a group of elite young women scientists at the start of their careers in a diverse range of disciplines, who had received a L’Oréal Australia: For Women in Science International Fellowship. Open-ended interview questions explored participants’ perceptions of their careers following the Fellowship and of their identity as women scientists. Results indicate that the award was vital to the self-confidence and identity of women scientists establishing and consolidating their careers. Other factors, such as having children and workplace culture, had a negative impact on their career progression and confidence in pursuing a science career. Policy implications relating to institutional culture and the need for flexibility regarding child-rearing are discussed, as well as the importance of women-only awards to career progression.

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Author Biographies

  • Patricia Weir, University of Queensland

    Patricia Weir, M Com (Science),

    University of Queensland, Australia

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    patricia.weir@uqconnect.edu.au

  • Joan Leach, University of Queensland

    Dr Joan Leach, PhD

    Senior Lecturer, School of English, Media Studies and Art History,

    University of Queensland, Australia

    j.leach@uq.edu.au

  • Jenny Gamble, Griffith University
    Professor Jenny Gamble RM PhD,Centre for Health Practice InnovationGriffith Universityj.gamble@griffith.edu.au
  • Debra Creedy, Griffith University

    Professor Debra K Creedy RN PhD

    Centre for Health Practice Innovation

    Griffith University

    d.creedy@griffith.edu.au

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Published

02-07-2014

Issue

Section

Research and theoretical papers

How to Cite

Twenty-First Century Minerva: Are there career impacts for women who receive a “Women in Science” Fellowship?. (2014). International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 6(2), 196-208. https://genderandset.open.ac.uk/index.php/genderandset/article/view/334