Mette Verner Aarhus School of Business Aarhus University

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Do we need women in science?

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Facts

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Why do we want women in science? • Equal opportunities/representation • Diversity • Efficient ressource allocation

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Diversity • Diverse research teams=> better decisions in research process § Age, gender, ethnicity § Educational background, research field • Diversity in field of research => better coverage of relevant research topics • Diverse role models

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Optimal ressource allocation • Exploit the full pool of potentials

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Applicants High ability Low ability

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Applicants High ability Low ability Available positions

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Applicants High ability Low ability Available positions

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Rejected applicants High ability Low ability Filled positions - only male applicants considered

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Applicants High ability Low ability Available positions

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Rejected applicants High ability Low ability Filled positions – all applicants considered

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Optimal ressource allocation • Exploit the full pool of potentials => Most qualified researchers

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Do we need (more) women in science? YES!!

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University How many women can we expect to see in research? • 50% ?

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University How many women can we expect to see in research? • 50% NOT the correct target

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University How many women can we expect to see in research? • Depends on the female share in the relevant cohorts • and the way funding is allocated between research areas

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University What is a realistic goal ? • Female-representation among researchers = Female-representation among masterlevel graduates

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Percentage of female potential actually in research, Denmark, 2003. Source: Own calculations

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University When will we reach the goals? • Depends on the willingness to change things • Depends on the effectiveness of measures applied

Mette Verner, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University Do we need women in science?