Not from Venus, not from Mars: Achieving gender equality in science and biomedical research
Ahead of International Women’s Day 2020, Head of School Professor Fabienne Mackay is calling for active intervention in overcoming gender bias.
Historically, career interruptions and caring responsibilities have interrupted the academic careers of many female researchers – often leading to lower grant and fellowship outcomes compared to male counterparts, as well as reduced recognition of scientific achievements.
Despite these challenges, Professor Mackay says exceptional mentors and collaboration opportunities provided her with the means to succeed as an immunologist.
In her article, published in Nature Immunology on 24 February, Professor Mackay reflects on her career experiences and discusses how talented women must be better supported to overcome unconscious gender bias and maintain opportunities throughout their careers. She also calls for academic leaders and executives to take more action to achieve equitable outcomes, particularly when it comes to high-level grants and research roles.
Professor Mackay’s article is featured in the March special issue of Nature Immunology, which focusses on Women in Immunology and celebrates Women’s History Month. The piece appears alongside commentary from prominent women in immunology from across the world, such as Professor Ann Ager of the University of Cardiff’s School of Medicine and Dr Cherie L Butts of multinational biotechnology company Biogen.
Nature Immunology is a significant interdisciplinary journal renowned for publishing high quality immunological research. In 2018, articles published in the journal were cited more than 44,000 times.
Find out more about Professor Mackay’s ground-breaking lupus research here, or listen to her on the Eavesdrop on Experts podcast.