uk resource centre for women in science, engineering and technology

The UKRC was pleased to receive 33 bids for funding requesting a total of almost £300,000. Many excellent projects, which would make clear contributions to gender equality in SET industries and organisations, were considered but sadly due to finite resources not all could be granted. Ideas ranged from supporting women in further education to joint networking events between the universities and local construction networks.

 

The UKRC wishes them, and all other applicants, all the success in the world as together we try to shape a society where women scientists, engineers and technologists are valued as equal to their male counterparts. The UKRC hopes to keep in touch with many of the unsuccessful applicants through the Connect project with a view to possible future joint working

 

The ICGS project grants have been awarded to:

 

Project name: The IoP and RSC Survey of PDRs’ Experiences and Career Intentions

Activity: The IoP Women in Physics Group will work with the Royal Society of Chemistry to carry out a mass survey of post doctoral physicists, which will then be analysed to support future policy decisions.

 

Project name: Girl Geeks Invite Series

Activity: The Girl Geeks will work with the West Yorkshire Life Long Learning Network and other women in SET bodies to develop a series of events across the country around creativity, computing and entrepreneurship – all of which have been identified as crucial to the UK’s recovery from recession. Speakers will be recorded to form a digital archive of high profile female speakers to share. Other partners include NTI Leeds, Codeworks, Informatic Ventures, Interconnect, Harvey Nash, WEA Scotland and the School of Informatics, Edinburgh University.

 

Project name: Women, Climate Change – Learning Transformation

Activity:  This project will bring together leading experts in energy research and climate change. It will use the latest technology to lead to a proposed research agenda on gender and sustainable energy, develop career profiles, and strengthen networks for women in SET. This project will be delivered in partnership with the UK Energy Research Centre, Environmental Change Institute.

 

Project name: Embedding Awareness of Gender Issues in STEM ITT- a pilot

Activity: The new project aims to place cultural change into both training

establishments and placement schools so that gender awareness within STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) is mainstreamed.

The aim is to create a new module for student teachers which will focus on the importance of gender awareness and tackling stereotypes around careers. Partners include Queens University Belfast, the Institute of Physics and WiSE Northern Ireland Committee.

Project name: Developing the next generation of Women Leaders in Mathematical Sciences

Activity: The project will develop networking and research opportunities in the field, showcase women’s achievements in mathematical science, as well as developing role models for early career women in the sector.  This project will be delivered in partnership with the Isaac Newton Institute.

 

Project name: GreenSTEM (Click here for GreenSTEM website)

Activity: They will establish a support network in Leicestershire for unemployed SET graduates, focussing on attracting members of BME and disabled groups. Once established, other existing groups supporting women in the region will offer members training to develop ideas for green products and services. The project aims to help graduates who have failed to find work develop ideas which will be tested through the existing Go Green programme which allows members of the public to test and feedback on proposals. Partners include the British Science Association.

Project name: Crossing Boundaries – Inspiration Meets Aspiration

Activity: The project will work to create links between senior university members and SET women at a variety of career stages, widen diversity and

draw on partnerships and experience from other groups across Wales to create two-way learning and exchange of knowledge. Partners include Women in Leadership: Leadership Observatory Wales (Willow), Women in Universities Mentoring Scheme (WUMS), Swansea University Research Forum(SURF) and IT Wales.

 

Project name: Women in IT network event 

Activity: Jaguar Land Rover will work with partners IBM and Tata Technologies to deliver a conference in the West Midlands with topics including behaviours in the workplace as well as the values and challenges of diversity in work. The conference will allow 40 final year university students the opportunity to access similar workshops, supported by sharing experiences of women in Jaguar Land Rover, IBM and Tata Technologies.

 

Project name: Science Oxford Networks for Women

Activity: The project will support the development and progress of women in SET businesses. Peer mentoring circles will be delivered in an open, relaxed and supportive environment.  The aim is to build a portfolio of women who can be used as role models and case studies for future initiatives. The project will take place over 10 monthly sessions, culminating in an “experience exchange” event, linking inexperienced business women or students with successful entrepreneurs to develop mentoring relationships. Partners include South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

 

Project name: Pink Ladies

Activity: Local employers will be engaged to explore potential work opportunities for women, with an aim of placing 10 women in jobs in the course of 12 months. This project will be delivered with Newport Construction Initiative and Tools 4Ur Future.

 

For further information about any of these projects please contact us.