Level 4 CoSHH Lecture

“The Invisible Fraction: Women in Science and Athena Swan”

Dr Rhonda Snook, University of Sheffield

Women are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). This under-representation increases from A levels to professor level and has been dubbed the “leaky pipeline”. Using the evolutionary analogy of the “invisible fraction” and viability selection, I’ll describe where the leaks are (i.e., where viability selection is the strongest), discuss some reasons for the leaks and why both females and males should care about solving the leak. The ultimate goal is to provide some ideas for potential solutions, particularly at the academic level. Dr Rhonda Snook is a Reader in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Sheffield. Her research interests are in the evolution of reproductive strategies. She also has a keen interest in supporting, and increasing the number of, women in science. She is currently Chair of the Women’s Network at The University of Sheffield and played a critical role in drafting Athena Swan submissions for both her department and University.

Safety Lecture Experimenting with Danger

Following three very serious accidents that occurred in US university chemical laboratories, the US Chemical Safety Board produced a report in the form of a video. Although safety legislation and practices differ between the UK and the US, this report provides important lessons on safety for anyone working or managing work within a research laboratory. We will view the report and then have a short discussion on the implications for our working practices in Sheffield. All students and staff working within research laboratories are encouraged to attend and input to the discussion.

Fireworks Lecture