Careers
Men are still more likely to be promoted than women in academia
Dr Pat Goodwin CBiol FRSB, diversity champion for the RSB Council, discusses some of the findings from the ASSET 2016 report. When it comes to academia, are a higher proportion of men than women promoted to their current position? This is true according to the findings of the latest ASSET (Athena Surveys of Science Engineering … Continue reading
Returning to work after a career break? The four things you should know
By Dr Ruth Griffin, lecturer in biochemistry and genetics at Kingston University Being a parent, I have come across many professionally accomplished full-time mums at school, yet so few have returned to their career. Particularly in science, there is a misconception that it is impossible to get back in if you’ve taken a career break, … Continue reading
Here’s to Hypatia: the world’s first female superstar scientist
By Tom Ireland MRSB, editor of The Biologist and managing editor at the Royal Society of Biology. Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day for celebrating the contributions of women to scientific progress and for inspiring girls to consider careers in STEM subjects. It’s a day to celebrate the great female scientists … Continue reading
Seven surprising sunfish facts
By Natasha Phillips, PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast studying the diet & behaviour of ocean sunfish. Last summer Natasha spent two months studying ocean sunfish in Camogli, Italy, with the support of a Travel Grant from the Royal Society of Biology. Grants applications for 2017 are currently open. Over the last two years I have seen hundreds … Continue reading
Plant Health Studentships: opportunities for undergrads and providers
Dr Celia Knight FRSB, plant science education and employability consultant, shares her thoughts on undergraduate opportunities. What does a summer studentship mean to an undergraduate? When considering whether to undertake a summer research studentship, placement, internship or work experience, undergraduates might wonder: Does applying for a research studentship mean you have to know you want … Continue reading
The wolves of Isle Royale
Field biologist Joshua Powell describes how a grant from the Society took him to one of the most remote national parks in the USA. Find out how to apply for the latest round of grants – open now. The largest island on the largest freshwater lake in the world, Isle Royale is one of the most fascinating of … Continue reading
Diversity in Science: creating an inclusive environment
By Gabriele Butkute AMRSB, science policy officer at the Royal Society of Biology and the Biochemical Society The Royal Society’s Annual Diversity Conference, ‘Diversity Matters – the road to inclusivity’ provided an uplifting environment to learn about initiatives in a range of workplaces. Meeting representatives from across the science sector, including from education and government, … Continue reading
Targeting Unconscious Bias
By Josephine Hellberg, MRC policy intern at the Royal Society of Biology Every time we meet someone, our brains are busy categorising our impressions. However, many of these categorisations make use of cognitive shortcuts that rely on cultural expectations and past experiences and are therefore vulnerable to prejudice and stereotyping. As a result, we might … Continue reading
A simple guide to project management
By Dr Cliff Collis FRSB, former professional registers and training manager at the Royal Society of Biology, and a specialist in communication for scientists. Dr Collis is running an Introduction to Project Management Workshop at the RSB on Monday 19th September. Project management is very different from staff management. Project management needs an eye for … Continue reading
Is bias holding you back?
By Rosalie Ward, trainer for Skill Boosters & Inclusive Learning Ltd. Rosalie, who has produced HR guidance for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will be leading a course on Unconscious Bias at the RSB on 13 September. No matter how open-minded we might like to think we are, we’re all victims of our unconscious … Continue reading