Dear Colleagues,

One of Athena SWAN’s core principles is that ‘The system of short-term contracts has particularly negative consequences for the retention and progression of women in science, which the university recognises.’

As part of the University’s Bronze Athena SWAN action plan, we will be hosting a series of focus groups to better understand whether and how women on short-term contracts at Heriot-Watt are more negatively impacted than their male colleagues and what we might be able to do about that. Whilst we are committed to understanding the elements that particularly affect women, we recognise that part of this issue relates to the traditionally gendered nature of care-giving,  and that anyone, regardless of gender, who holds a substantial care-giving role will be exposed to some of the same challenges.

It will be important to understand how we might create a more positive experience for all people on fixed-term contracts regardless of gender.  We invite notes of interest from both male and female staff members on fixed-term contracts interested in joining the focus group. We are particularly interested to hear from our post-doctoral community, and from male and female care-givers. Focus groups are likely to be held on 20 May, 4-5pm and 21 May, 10-11am. Please note your interest in the first instance by letting us know your availability on those two dates via the Doodle poll. Please write your email address in the ‘name’ field so that we can contact you.

http://doodle.com/4r34tssgvmmrzf5e

If you wish to participate but are unable to make either of those dates, please note your interest with Tina Donnelly (t.donnelly@hw.ac.uk).

Sincerely

Dr Kate Sang

On behalf of the Athena SWAN Strategy Committee