Opportunity: Women in Science Research Network Historian/ Scientist Shadowing Scheme

Are you a UK-based early career researcher or doctoral student in the history of science, technology and medicine with an interest in the role of gender in science? Would you be interested in shadowing a working woman scientist to gain a better understanding of what scientists do and the challenges women scientists face today?

The shadowing scheme is designed for early-career historians and female scientists. Under the scheme early-career historians of science will have the opportunity to spend a day with a working female scientist. Note that this is a pilot scheme and as such we are only able to accept applications from people based in Britain at this stage. We are defining science in its very broadest sense, from traditional pure sciences such as physics, chemistry, biological sciences and mathematics, to the applied sciences of engineering, technology etc. We are also working with scientists undertaking a variety of types of role.

We aim to:

• Promote a good understanding of contemporary scientific work and career patterns among historians (aiding a more subtle understanding of historical scientific careers)
• Record brief life-history of the female scientists in the programme.
• Make scientists more aware that historians can help to promote them and their work to the public.

We invite applications from British-based students (of either gender) currently enrolled in history of science/technology/medicine PhD programmes and British-based post-doctoral researchers in these fields not currently in permanent academic posts. Successful applicants will be paired with a female scientist in their locality, so it is important to tell us where you will usually be based during the period that the scheme will be running (November 2013 to February 2014) covering the scheme. If you have a preference for a particular field of science do let us know, but be aware that while we will try to match you with a scientist working in your preferred field, we cannot guarantee do this.

Funds will be available to assist historians in travelling to their partners’ places of work.

More information about the scheme and how to apply is available on the Women in Science Research Network website. The application deadline is Monday 30 September 2013.