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Researching when research works for women

27 April 2005

An innovative new project involving some of the university's top female researchers aims to investigate the strategies that lead to a successful research career.

Ms Barbara Dalton (left) with Dr Maryanne Dever.

About 30 women researchers from all faculties will be interviewed for the study, 'When research works for women', a joint project of the Centre for Women's Studies and Gender Research and the Equity and Diversity Centre.

The project, which will run over semester one, also has the support of deputy vice-chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish.

The idea for the project arose from an Advancing Women in Research seminar last October, at which Professor Cornish outlined the university's research performance review and talked with female staff about the challenges they faced in participating in research.

The project's co-director, Dr Maryanne Dever, said the study would investigate how women build strong research profiles and how these experiences could provide models for other female academics.

"We already know some of the issues that can make succeeding in research difficult for women, but this study takes the next step," Dr Dever said.

"By investigating the specific pathways, strategies, circumstances and research environments that have worked for women, we hope to be able to highlight some new and effective ways for more women to be involved in, and feel they are getting ahead with, their research."

Ms Barbara Dalton from the Equity and Diversity Centre said it was hoped the project's results would lead to recommendations for improved policy and practice for women building research careers at Monash.

The project is guided by an advisory group of Monash staff with an interest in the area of research and/or women in academia, and its principal researcher is Dr Zoe Morrison, a former South Australian Rhodes Scholar, who has significant expertise in the field.

Potential interviewees will be contacted in the coming weeks, and a report is expected later in the year.