China 2017 - Press Conference: Young, talented and fighting for science

TL;DR

Scientists discuss the challenges and importance of engaging the public in science, emphasizing diversity, mentorship, and humanizing the field.

Transcript

hello everyone thank you very much for coming and welcome to the annual meeting of the new champions 2017 in Dalian China where the overall theme of the meeting is on inclusive growth in the thought in the fourth Industrial Revolution this press conference is a chance for us all to meet some of our community of young scientists and I will do a brie... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤦‍♀️ Women in science face challenges due to rigid career paths and lack of senior-level mentorship.
• 👩‍⚕️ Flexibility in scientific careers can enhance diversity and support work-life balance for women.
• 👩‍🔬 Mentoring plays a vital role in supporting women scientists throughout their careers.
• 🏑 Humanizing science can help improve public engagement, making the field more relatable and accessible.
• ⚾ Engaging decision-makers is crucial for promoting evidence-based policy-making in science.
• 👨‍🔬 Scientists need to promote their work effectively to showcase the impact and relevance of their research.
• 🇨🇫 Collaborating globally and connecting with diverse sectors can enhance public engagement and foster innovation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can greater flexibility in scientific career paths benefit women in the field?

Greater flexibility in career paths can allow women to balance family and work commitments more effectively, addressing the challenges of postdocs and extensive travel that hinder career progression.

Q: What role does mentoring play in supporting women scientists?

Mentoring is crucial for women scientists as it provides guidance, support, and a network of opportunities that can help navigate challenges and advance careers successfully.

Q: Why is it important to humanize science and change the image of scientists?

Humanizing science helps bridge the gap between scientists and the public, showcasing commonality, relatability, and shared passion for making positive contributions to society.

Q: How can scientists engage decision-makers to promote evidence-based policy-making?

By engaging decision-makers, scientists can provide valuable insights, address concerns, and present evidence to influence policy that aligns with scientific findings and benefits society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scientists discuss the importance of engaging the public in science to showcase its relevance.

• Challenges faced by women in science include rigid career paths and lack of mentorship at senior levels.

• Emphasizing diversity, mentorship, and humanizing science are essential for broader public engagement.