'Women in the Sciences: experiences, challenges and
opportunities, from Gaza to Glasgow’'
This one-day conference will bring together women scientists working and studying in
Scotland, young women studying science at school and university, refugee women scientists
living in Glasgow and Palestinian women scientists, who will join us via video link from the
Islamic University of Gaza and Al Aqsa University, Gaza. It is open to all and will be a unique
opportunity to discuss the experiences, challenges and opportunities faced by women in
science across these contexts
Draft Conference Programme – 23 June 2011
9.30
10.00 – 12.30
Arrivals and Welcome
Panel Presentations: ‘Why I Became a Scientist’
12.30 – 13.30
Lunch Break
13.30 – 14.30
14.30 – 15.00
Small group discussions: ‘Experiences, Challenges and
Opportunities for Women in the Sciences’
Coffee Break
15.00 – 16.00
Plenary Feedback and Closing
Call for papers/contributions:
We would like to invite women at any stage in their career in the Sciences, from
undergraduate to experienced researchers, entrepreneurs and teachers to take part in this
event by:
1. Offering a short 10 minute presentation for the Panel Presentations session
focusing on the following questions:
a. What area of science do you work in and what is your current
research/work/study about?
b. What was it that got you interested in working on this?
c. What would you most like to see come out of your work? How do you think it
could be used in a practical sense?
This presentation may be accompanied by a powerpoint presentation and will be broadcast
via the video link.
Presentations will be made from both Glasgow and Gaza venues.
2. Taking part in the small group discussion sessions where we will explore the
following questions:
a. How have you experienced working in your field of science as a woman?
b. What is the gender landscape like in your field of research/study – are there lots
of women? Does the balance between men and women differ at different levels of
seniority/experience/responsibility?
c. What do you think the key opportunities and challenges for women are in your
particular field?
The plenary session following the small groups will also be video linked allowing for
discussion and feedback from both audiences.