The SQM2019 programme includes a plenary talk on the theme of “Diversity and Inclusion in Physics” that will be given by Dr. Meytal Eran Jona of the Weizmann Institute of Science. The talk is scheduled on Tuesday 11 at 6 pm (see timetable here). Dr. Jona will be happy to meet informally whoever will be interested on discussion/questions on gender equality in physics during the following poster session.
From Starbucks to the academia: Unconscious bias and what can we do about it?
Unconscious bias (UCB) has become a hot topic. High Tec companies, universities, and research institutions around the world are studying the ways in which UCB hinder diversity and affects organizational outcomes. Researchers are studying it, advisors offer training to deal with it, but what is it? In my talk, I will answer three main questions: What is unconscious bias and how does it affect diversity? What is the impact of UCB on inequality in academia and research institutions? What can be done to eliminate it, on both the individual and the organizational levels? I will review the latest research in the field and discuss my own experience after two years of research on barriers to women integration in physics.
Meytal Eran Jona, PhD Weizmann Institute of Science
Dr. Meytal Eran Jona is an organizational sociologist specializing in gender studies. She is an academic consultant at Weizmann Institute of Science. Her research focuses on various aspects of gender and family in organizations, gender inequality in the labor market, organizational culture and work-life balance. Her latest research, together with Prof. Yossi Nir (Physics, Weizmann Institute) aims to understand why so few women pursue an academic career in physics and what can be done to promote gender balance in this field. She serves as a consultant to the European Commission project GENERA (“Gender Equality Network in the European Research Area”) and to various bodies in Israel, including the Prime Minister Office and the Israeli Defense Forces. Meytal headed the gender section at the ISS- Israeli Sociology Society (2011-2016) and is currently a member of the board of directors of the ISS.
