Equal Opportunity Workshop

Our first Equal Opportunity workshop in 2017 took place in Basel. Four speakers addressed our course members (male and female alike) and discussed the challenges of equal opportunity and inclusion - in the field of the natural sciences - from various angles. Our speakers were:

  • Thomas R. Ward, director NCCR MSE
  • Renate Schubert, Gender Delegate ETHZ (see presentation)
  • Cornelia Palivan, Pl NCCR MSE
  • Nicole Kälin, Head of Equal Opportunities Office Basel University

Renate Schubert, Gender Delegate ETHZ

Cornelia Palivan, Pl NCCR MSE

Nicole Kälin, Head of Equal Opportunities Office Basel University

 

Here are some comments, ideas and feedback from our course attendees:

"It was really interesting to brainstorm around these gender bias in jobs in academia. The presentations from the speakers provided interesting basis for the discussions of the participants. To me that was the strongest point of this meeting : the open and free discussions of professor/postdoc/PhD students. Having a better understanding of the issues, of what the individuals actually faces, will allow more fair behaviours during job interviews."
Vincent Lebrun

"Within NCCR EO would be good to promote workshops/events which can help to improve presentations, rhetorical skills, body language, etc. of young scientist."
Anja Car

"The Equal Opportunities event was very informative and inspiring and could be followed up by the these workshops:

  • Workshop to strengthen „Researcher Personality“ for women and men. The workshop should provide:
    - challenge the student (scientific presentation)
    - critical and candid assessment of student`s performance by audience (PIs and peers)
    - student mentoring (by PI, option to regularly meet, to develop action plan, to measure advancement)
  • Workshop for Improvement of Communication:
    - writing and presenting skills (writing CV, cover letter, mock job interviews)
    - executed by e.g. human resource professional"

- Tillmann Heinisch

"There were a few interesting and inspiring topics discussed, especially the video in the beginning as well as Professor Cornelia Palivans talk. I think providing equal opportunities, not just gender related, but also to racially different or in any sense handicapped people is key nowadays. But I think the process will take time and needs to start at the bottom. Therefore I think it’s not only about providing equality but also to educate about it.

The means provided by the Universities are a good start and further seminars (for me personally to gain more confidence) would be really great. I would especially appreciate a setting where you would get feedback and could try to improve on the spot."
Jaicy Vallapurackal