Gender equality to be discussed in Dublin

The UK's lead agency working to boost the participation of women in scientific careers says it is "especially pleased" that the BA Festival of Science is being held in Ireland this year.

The UK's lead agency working to boost the participation of women in scientific careers says it is "especially pleased" that the BA Festival of Science will return to Ireland this year because of the good level of understanding there is in Ireland about the urgent need to address gender imbalance in science.

The science festival has not been hosted in Ireland for 48 years, but is taking place this year at Trinity College, Dublin, until 10th September.

Some 3000 people are expected to attend.

The aim of the festival is to foster a greater understanding of the value and significance of scientific endeavour.

The GBP 4 million UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC), which was launched by the UK Government in 2004, will host an event aiming to raise awareness of the work it is doing to increase women's participation, progression and retention.

In the UK women currently represent 51% of the total workforce but account for only 18.7% in science, engineering and technology (SET).

UKRC Director Annette Williams, comments: "Our presence at the festival will present an excellent opportunity to extend networks and spread the word about what the UKRC is doing to a wider audience".

"We know there is a great deal of momentum and understanding about the need to increase the representation of women in science in Ireland and that is why we are especially pleased that the BA will be hosted in Dublin this year".

In April, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) announced a scheme aimed at boosting the number of women in Irish science and engineering.

Dr Mary Kelly, Science Foundation Ireland said: "There is a need to improve the working environment for women scientists and engineers and adapt to the needs of individuals conducting successful, internationally competitive research".

"SFI's Women in Science and Engineering Initiative aims to encourage young women into science and engineering careers and support talented female researchers to continue their careers in Irish academic institutions".

The UKRC hopes that scientists, researchers, science communicators and others interested in gender equality issues in SET will attend its event at the BA Festival to find out about the key services and campaigns that it has implemented during its inaugural year.

This will include looking at the Return Campaign, a major national campaign launched by the UKRC in May to support up to 1000 qualified women returning to the industries over the next three years.

The UKRC's sustained effort to raise the profile of women in SET in the media; its work with employers and its work to assist the UK Government meeting its target of 40% representation of women on SET related boards and committees will also be discussed.

Key members of the organisation, including Director Annette Williams, will lead the event.

According to the European Commission, there is a significant imbalance in scientific professions across the continent.

A recent report highlighted that women only make up 14% of top scientists, despite representing 44% of graduates in science and technology subjects.

It recommends that the proportion of women in leading positions should increase to at least 25% by 2010.

The UKRC event will take place on Wednesday 7th September, from 1300 to 1500 BST at Becketts 2, Arts Building at Trinity College, Dublin, and is free to attend.

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