Northern Ireland News - Women scientists discussed at Queen’s Forum

13 December 2004

Women scientists discussed at Queen’s Forum

The Women's Studies Forum is to host a public lecture today aimed at reviewing studies on the career progress and success of women scientists over the last three decades.

The lecture, entitled 'Maybe I should be called Julia? Perceptions of career progress and success for women scientists' will be given by Barbara Hodgson, a visiting Professor at the Queen's University School of Sociology and Social Policy.

In her lecture, Professor Hodgson will review strategies taken over the last 30 years to promote greater participation by women in science, engineering and technology subjects in higher education. She will also reflect on women's subsequent success and progress in careers in these areas, drawing on several studies.

Dr Myrtle Hill, Director of the Centre for Women's Studies at Queen's said: “The Women’s Studies Forum was set up to focus on women's and on feminist issues, aiming to unite the academic and wider community in raising awareness of these issues through a range of extra-curricular activities, including seminars, lectures, book-readings and film screenings.

"The Forum complements the academic courses offered by the Centre for Women's Studies, which is now a well-established interdisciplinary field of study.

"I am delighted that Professor Hodgson has joined us from the Open University to open up debate at our seminar on Monday on the issues of gender, salary rates and career progression for female scientists.”

The Women's Studies Forum lecture by Professor Hodgson will take place in The Lecture Theatre at around 4.30pm.

(MB/SP)