LCLS-II Recent Developments at LCLS and Science Opportunities and Plans for LCLS-II and LCLS-II -

Coined by science historian Margaret Rossiter in 1993 and named after 19 century US activist Matilda Gage who first described this phenomenon, the Matilda effect defines the common bias against recognition of women in science. It is related to the Matthew effect, which describes how prominent scientists get more credit for the same work done by less well-known researchers. Although women outnumber men in receiving undergraduate degrees, and there is near parity at the doctoral level, their numbers fall off drastically as they climb academic or corporate ladders. The National Science Foundation reports a decline from 49% of women with doctoral degrees, to 39% in postdoctoral positions, and 32% in full time faculty positions. Of these, only 12% are promoted to full professor and a mere 6% are National Academy of Science members. In physical sciences, math and engineering fields, representation by women has actually fallen since 1990 and is not showing significant gains. Dr. Rao will discuss many of the issues underlying these troubling statistics, including structural problems in academic hiring, the role of stereotype threat and unconscious bias. She will present steps that institutions can take to promote gender equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM, and discuss how we can change the culture and climate of sexism in society, how professional organizations can help, and how men can be allies.