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Roman G, Duthely LM, Attia J, Spike AE, McIntosh S, Pusek SN, Mehta DH, Bredella MA. Implementation and Evaluation of a National Well-Being Curriculum for KL2 Scholars. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38498028 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: The study aimed to pilot test a well-being curriculum for KL2 scholars to be used across the Clinical and Translational Science Award consortium. Methods: Between November 2022, and May 2023, 36 KL2 scholars from 25 hubs participated in the program. The General Well-Being Index for U.S. Workers and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) were completed by scholars before and after the program. Results: Postparticipation, there was a trend of improvement in the domains of well-being, sleep, anxiety, and fatigue. Conclusion: Implementing a virtual synchronous well-being curriculum allowed the scholars to connect across the consortium and improve their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Roman
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lunthita M Duthely
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jacqueline Attia
- University of Rochester Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC), the CTSA Coordinating Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Abby E Spike
- University of Rochester Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC), the CTSA Coordinating Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Scott McIntosh
- University of Rochester Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC), the CTSA Coordinating Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Susan N Pusek
- North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Darshan H Mehta
- Center for Faculty Development and Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miriam A Bredella
- Harvard Catalyst, The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- NYU Langone Health and Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Buser JM, August E, Jacobson-Davies FE, Bongomin F, Kumakech E, Gray R, Pebolo PF, Auma AG, Endale T, Smith YR. Partnering to Improve Mentorship Capacity for Ugandan Reproductive Health Researchers: Program Description and Evaluation. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:188-193. [PMID: 37983934 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mentorship is essential to health researchers in achieving their full potential and advancing public health. In most low-resource settings, there is a paucity of training on how to be a successful mentor. The Center for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan conducted and evaluated a workshop at two universities in Uganda for mentors of new reproductive health research grant awardees. The program aimed to strengthen mentors' mentorship skills and to identify ways to foster institutional support for mentoring. Mentors rated their post-training skills using a 5-point Likert scale (not skilled to extremely skilled) immediately and 3 months after the training. Ten of 19 mentors who participated in the training completed the evaluation. The majority were 41 to 50 years old, male, midcareer faculty. Immediately after the training, mentors rated themselves (mean ± SD) highest in knowledge of research ethics (4.4 ± 0.5), fostering independence in mentees (4.3 ± 0.9), and understanding the benefits of mentoring (3.9 ± 1.1). Mentors felt least confident in fostering institutional change to support mentorship (3.3 ± 0.8), communication (3.5 ± 0.5), and overcoming adversity (3.5 ± 0.8). The two most important things the mentors learned were how to appreciate and manage diversity and how they can benefit from mentorship. Barriers to mentoring that persisted after the program ended included lack of time and institutional resources. Enhancing mentorship training opportunities will foster a generation of scientists who are more supported, skilled, and productive in research, leading to better reproductive and public health outcomes in their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Buser
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ella August
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, PREPSS (Pre-Publication Support Service), Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Faelan E Jacobson-Davies
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Edward Kumakech
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Rachel Gray
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Pebalo Francis Pebolo
- Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Anna Grace Auma
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Tamrat Endale
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yolanda R Smith
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Brief Assessment of Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies During Pandemic. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [PMCID: PMC9977094 DOI: 10.1007/s43076-023-00274-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the internal structure, internal consistency, and convergent and divergent validity for the Coping Strategies Scale. We found a two-factor solution (maladaptive coping; adaptative coping) with a second-order general factor (coping strategies) that demonstrated adequate factorial structure and internal consistency for a brief nine items instrument in a sample of 211 economically active Brazilians (Mage = 37.07; SD = 13.03). The adaptive strategies factor converged with quality of life and work. It also diverged from phobia, stress, and anxiety. Maladaptive coping strategies converged with phobia, stress, and anxiety and diverged from the quality of work and life. According to the results, we found that coping strategies are a vital personal resource to overcome daily adversity, including those from the current pandemic. The present instrument may impact worldwide, offering conditions to investigate and promote mental health positive outcomes by reinforcing coping assessment during pandemics.
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Rao S. Need of women Organizers for Conferences. INDIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN WOMEN 2023. [DOI: 10.25259/ijcdw_22_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Rao
- Department of Cardiology, Apollo Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India,
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5
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Perier C, Nasinghe E, Charles I, Ssetaba LJ, Ahyong V, Bangs D, Beatty PR, Czudnochowski N, Diallo A, Dugan E, Fabius JM, Fong Baker H, Gardner J, Isaacs S, Joanah B, Kalantar K, Kateete D, Knight M, Krasilnikov M, Krogan NJ, Langelier C, Lee E, Li LM, Licht D, Lien K, Lyons Z, Mboowa G, Mwebaza I, Mwesigwa S, Nalwadda G, Nichols R, Penaranda ME, Petnic S, Phelps M, Popper SJ, Rape M, Reingold A, Robbins R, Rosenberg OS, Savage DF, Schildhauer S, Settles ML, Sserwadda I, Stanley S, Tato CM, Tsitsiklis A, Van Dis E, Vanaerschot M, Vinden J, Cox JS, Joloba ML, Schaletzky J. Workshop-based learning and networking: a scalable model for research capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2062175. [PMID: 35730550 PMCID: PMC9225690 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2062175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Science education and research have the potential to drive profound change in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through encouraging innovation, attracting industry, and creating job opportunities. However, in LMICs, research capacity is often limited, and acquisition of funding and access to state-of-the-art technologies is challenging. The Alliance for Global Health and Science (the Alliance) was founded as a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley (USA) and Makerere University (Uganda), with the goal of strengthening Makerere University’s capacity for bioscience research. The flagship program of the Alliance partnership is the MU/UCB Biosciences Training Program, an in-country, hands-on workshop model that trains a large number of students from Makerere University in infectious disease and molecular biology research. This approach nucleates training of larger and more diverse groups of students, development of mentoring and bi-directional research partnerships, and support of the local economy. Here, we describe the project, its conception, implementation, challenges, and outcomes of bioscience research workshops. We aim to provide a blueprint for workshop implementation, and create a valuable resource for bioscience research capacity strengthening in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Perier
- H. Wheeler Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases (CEND), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Charles
- H. Wheeler Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases (CEND), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Vida Ahyong
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Derek Bangs
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - P Robert Beatty
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Diallo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eli Dugan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Fabius
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hildy Fong Baker
- School of Public Health, Center for Global Public Health (CGPH), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jackson Gardner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Birungi Joanah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - David Kateete
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Matt Knight
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Maria Krasilnikov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Eric Lee
- Graduate Group in Infectious Diseases and Immunity, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lucy M Li
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Licht
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Katie Lien
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zilose Lyons
- California China Climate Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gerald Mboowa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Mwebaza
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Robert Nichols
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Sarah Petnic
- Quality and Clinical Excellence Department, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Napa, CA, USA
| | | | - Stephen J Popper
- Sustainable Sciences Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.,School of Public Health, Department of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael Rape
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Arthur Reingold
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Oren S Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David F Savage
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ivan Sserwadda
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Stanley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Erik Van Dis
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Joanna Vinden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeffery S Cox
- H. Wheeler Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases (CEND), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Moses L Joloba
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- H. Wheeler Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases (CEND), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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6
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Tripathi N, Goshisht MK. Advancing Women in Chemistry: A Step Toward Gender Parity. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6386-6397. [PMID: 36038822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
As chemistry progressed over the years, modern society witnessed the significant contribution of women chemists. However, the persisting gender imbalance in the scientific community, attributed to improper societal norms and several other reasons, is a matter of concern. The manuscript highlights some great women chemists, such as Nobel Prize awardees, who have created history through their outstanding research work and are role models for other women. Since women continue to encounter recurring obstacles to moving forward in their area, the "leaky pipeline" of women in chemical science remains problematic. Numerous factors, including having to shoulder the labor of childcare and household work and a lack of awareness of regulations and possibilities, contribute to prejudices and the gender gap in higher-level administrative and decision-making roles. To close the gender gap and empower women chemists, we highlight some initiatives (awards, fellowships, schemes, and grants) that have been put forth by governments, organizations, foundations, companies, industries, and publishing societies. As per statistics, only 4% of female scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry until now. Only 35%, 22%, 14%, 26%, and 5% of women are serving as editors-in-chief, while 38%, 40%, 18%, 22%, and 21% are working as associate editors of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer journals, respectively. A further issue is that women receive far fewer honors in chemistry. To promote a more encouraging atmosphere for women scientists at all career phases, we listed some recommendations that research grant funders, academic institutions, publishers, and scientific organizations can follow. For gender parity, the paper sought to address the current situation of women in the chemical sciences. Women's contributions to chemistry will promote innovation and progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Goshisht
- Department of Chemistry, Government Naveen College Tokapal, Bastar, Chhattisgarh 494442, India
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Sicard F. Can decentralized science help tackle the deterioration in working conditions in academia? FRONTIERS IN BLOCKCHAIN 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fbloc.2022.1066294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Academic staff’s working conditions have been deteriorating for years. In particular, the reduced availability of both research funding and permanent research positions has continuously led to insidious competition and intense stress among academics. Whereas governing bodies have made significant attempts to narrow pervasive social inequalities in the distribution of research funding within the scientific community, they have not truly taken into account the importance of the academics’ overall well-being in the development of more sustainable financing of academic researchers. This originates not only from the complexity to develop comprehensive models reflecting staff’s overall well-being in the academic environment, but also from the limited access to reliable and immutable data that transparently account for the staff’s direct experience. In this context, blockchain technology can push further the use of more transparent survey data collection and record-keeping that can help mitigate the systematic bias inherent to the centralized nature of traditional auditing. We discuss how research institutions and governing bodies can build on blockchain technology and the early momentum generated by the decentralized science (DeSci) movement to implement the future-proof research funding chain that values overall well-being across academia in a transparent and coordinated way.
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The Roles of Female Involvement and Risk Aversion in Open Access Publishing Patterns in Vietnamese Social Sciences and Humanities. JOURNAL OF DATA AND INFORMATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/jdis-2022-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The open-access (OA) publishing model can help improve researchers’ outreach, thanks to its accessibility and visibility to the public. Therefore, the presentation of female researchers can benefit from the OA publishing model. Despite that, little is known about how gender affects OA practices. Thus, the current study explores the effects of female involvement and risk aversion on OA publishing patterns among Vietnamese social sciences and humanities.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) on a dataset of 3,122 Vietnamese social sciences and humanities (SS&H) publications during 2008–2019. The Mindsponge mechanism was specifically used to construct theoretical models, while Bayesian inference was utilized for fitting models.
Findings
The result showed a positive association between female participation and OA publishing probability. However, the positive effect of female involvement on OA publishing probability was negated by the high ratio of female researchers in a publication. OA status was negatively associated with the JIF of the journal in which the publication was published, but the relationship was moderated by the involvement of a female researcher(s). The findings suggested that Vietnamese female researchers might be more likely to publish under the OA model in journals with high JIF for avoiding the risk of public criticism.
Research limitations
The study could only provide evidence on the association between female involvement and OA publishing probability. However, whether to publish under OA terms is often determined by the first or corresponding authors, but not necessarily gender-based.
Practical implications
Systematically coordinated actions are suggested to better support women and promote the OA movement in Vietnam.
Originality/value
The findings show the OA publishing patterns of female researchers in Vietnamese SS&H.
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Grose E, Chen T, Siu J, Campisi P, Witterick IJ, Chan Y. National Trends in Gender Diversity Among Trainees and Practicing Physicians in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in Canada. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 148:13-19. [PMID: 34792563 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Importance Monitoring the evolution of gender diversity within medicine is essential to understanding the medical workforce and anticipating its future. Objective To evaluate gender distribution and trends among trainees and practicing physicians in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) across Canada. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study collected demographic data on the Canadian population, medical students, resident physicians, fellows, practicing physicians, and full-time professors from the following publicly available databases: the Canadian Post-MD Education Registry, the Canadian Medical Education Statistics from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association Masterfile, the Canadian Resident Matching Service archives, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information from 2000 to 2019. Information about the gender distribution in leadership positions and fellowships was obtained through publicly available websites where gender was either listed or assigned by authors. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were the proportion of women in OHNS and the evolution of gender diversity over time. Results In 2019, 65 of 155 of OHNS trainees were female (41.9%), whereas female representation among all surgical trainees combined was 1225 of 2496 (49.1%). Female OHNS trainees and practicing physicians are underrepresented despite a 13.3% increase in female trainees and a 14.3% increase in female staff physicians from 2000 to 2019. Proportionally fewer female graduates pursued a fellowship during a 10-year period compared with their male counterparts, with otology and neurotology having the lowest female representation (6 of 27 [22.2%]). A minimal increase occurred in the number of women holding academic leadership positions (eg, 4 of 13 residency training programs had a previous or current female director). Conclusions and Relevance Despite the overall increase in the representation of women in the field of OHNS in Canada, these findings suggest that persistent gender gaps remain with respect to academic leadership positions and fellowship training. Continuous monitoring of the surgical workforce is important to highlight and address gender disparities within OHNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Grose
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tanya Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Siu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paolo Campisi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian J Witterick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yvonne Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Figuerola B, Valiente N, Barbosa A, Brasier MJ, Colominas-Ciuró R, Convey P, Liggett D, Fernández-Martínez MA, Gonzalez S, Griffiths HJ, Jawak SD, Merican F, Noll D, Prudencio J, Quaglio F, Pertierra LR. Shifting Perspectives in Polar Research: Global Lessons on the Barriers and Drivers for Securing Academic Careers in Natural Sciences. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.777009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The polar regions provide valuable insights into the functioning of the Earth’s regulating systems. Conducting field research in such harsh and remote environments requires strong international cooperation, extended planning horizons, sizable budgets and long-term investment. Consequently, polar research is particularly vulnerable to societal and economic pressures during periods of austerity. The global financial crisis of 2008, and the ensuing decade of economic slowdown, have already adversely affected polar research, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has added further pressure. In this article we present the outcomes of a community survey that aimed to assess the main barriers and success factors identified by academic researchers at all career stages in response to these global crises. The survey results indicate that the primary barriers faced by polar early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) act at institutional level, while mitigating factors are developed at individual and group levels. Later career scientists report pressure toward taking early retirement as a means of institutions saving money, reducing both academic leadership and the often unrecognized but vital mentor roles that many play. Gender and social inequalities are also perceived as important barriers. Reorganization of institutional operations and more effective strategies for long-term capacity building and retaining of talent, along with reduction in non-research duties shouldered by EMCRs, would make important contributions toward ensuring continued vitality and innovation in the polar research community.
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11
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Telework, Hybrid Work and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Policy Coherence. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13169222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
With increased participation in telework expected to continue, in the aftermath of COVID, it will be important to consider what long-term impact this practice could have on sustainability outcomes. This paper describes a scoping review and identifies connections between telework and sustainability outcomes from previous academic studies. These connections were categorised, and are discussed, based on their contributions to different United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Most research was found to focus on countries classified as having a very high human development index status. The SWOT matrix technique was used to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses identified in the existing literature, and the threats and opportunities for future work. This aims to ensure policy coherence so that strategies to promote one outcome, such as economic productivity improvements, do not undermine another, such as improved health. Practical implications and research opportunities were identified across a range of SDG impact areas, including good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequality, climate mitigation, sustainable cities, and resilient communities. Overall, our impression is that increased rates of telework present an important opportunity to improve sustainability outcomes. However, it will be important that integrated and holistic policy is developed that mitigates key risks.
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12
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Osier FHA, Murungi LM. Smashing Stereotypes: Mutual Respect, Key to Embracing Diversity. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:265-267. [PMID: 33518435 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The path to a successful international career in science is daunting for most, and women in Africa are no exception. We are grossly under-represented as senior authors in high-impact publications and keynote speakers at international conferences, and rarely head major funding networks. Smashing long-held stereotypes may ease the journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith H A Osier
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-, Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Linda M Murungi
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Nairobi, Kenya
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13
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Corona-Sobrino C, García-Melón M, Poveda-Bautista R, González-Urango H. Closing the gender gap at academic conferences: A tool for monitoring and assessing academic events. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243549. [PMID: 33284854 PMCID: PMC7721142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of participation in academic conferences is well known for members of the scientific community. It is not only for the feedback and the improvement of the work, it is also about career development, building networks and increasing visibility. Nevertheless, women continue to be under-represented in these academic events and even more so in the most visible positions such as speaking roles. This paper presents the development of a tool based on performance indicators, which will allow monitoring and evaluating gender roles and inequalities in academic conferences in order to tackle the underrepresentation of women. The study identifies relevant perspectives (participation, organizational structure and attitudes) and designs specific lists of performance indicators for each of them. The tool is based on a combination of two multicriteria techniques, Analytic Hierarchy Process and Analytic Hierarchy Process Sort, and a qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews and information gathered from a focus group. The use of the AHP multi-criteria decision technique has allowed us to weight the indicators according to the opinion of several experts, and with them to be able to generate from these weightings composite indicators for each of the three dimensions. The most relevant indicators were for the participation dimension. Additionally, the tool developed has been applied to an academic conference which has been monitored in real time. The results are shown as a traffic light visualization approach, where red means bad performance, yellow average performance and green good performance, helping us to present the results for each indicator. Finally, proposals for improvement actions addressed to the red indicators are explained. The work carried out highlights the need to broaden the study of gender equality in academic conferences, not only regarding the participation but also the performance of different roles and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Corona-Sobrino
- INGENIO CSIC-UPV, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Sociologia I, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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