‘Creating futures in science’ - a career planning workshop for female postdocs in STEMM

Background:

Join us on Thursday, 28 September at the sparkly new Postdoc Centre at Eddington for ‘Creating futures in science’ - a career planning workshop designed to empower female postdocs in STEMM to think confidently and flexibly about their career. Learn about the specific issues female postdocs face and how they can be addressed, receive informal mentoring via ‘speed mentoring’, meet senior women and men from academia and industry and develop action plans for the next stage of your career wherever it might lead. You will hear from women from different backgrounds and career stages about the issues they faced and develop strategies to take you forward. The workshop is free and will include refreshments, lunch and a sparkling wine reception.

The session was designed by Portia – a charity focused on gender in science – to strengthen the role of women in the STEMM disciplines and has been adapted for the Cambridge context. Portia founder Dr Elizabeth Pollitzer explains, ‘In science, the decisions made by individuals during the earliest phase of their employment determine the long-term shape of their career. The 'leaky pipeline' shows that the postdoctoral stage is a critical period for women. Many leave science at this point resulting in a loss of opportunity for them, and a loss of trained talent for science. Knowing what the options are; how the 'system' works; who are the right role models; how to avoid cultural stereotypes; and what to do about family life will greatly enhance the capacity of young female scientists to make career decisions that are best for them’.

Timetable:

09:30-10:00 - Registration

10:00-11:15 - Keynote address: Dr Liz Elvidge (Postdoc Development Centre, Imperial) What are the unique challenges female postdocs face and how can they be addressed?

11:15-11:30 - Tea/coffee

11:30-13:00 - Speed mentoring

13:00-14:00 - Lunch and networking

14:00-15:15 - Careers ‘clinics’ – moderated small group activity and discussion

15:15-15:30 - Tea/coffee

15:30-17:00 - Panel discussion with women in STEMM from different career pathways

17:00-18:00 - Reception with drinks and canapes

Transport to and from Eddington from central Cambridge will be arranged for those who require it. Please register here by Tuesday, 26 September