Calisi, a behavioural neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis, and a group of 45 other scientist-parents, have turned their frustrations into a call for action. In a paper published online Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers detail the shortcomings of past conferences and offer a blueprint for making conferences more welcoming and accessible to parents of young children. Read more
A new report has uncovered serious shortcomings in the support system for postdoc parents in the United States. The report, based on survey data compiled by the US National Postdoc Association and published by the San Francisco, California-based Center for Workplace Law, found widespread confusion, anxiety and frustration among parents. The report suggested several potential reforms, including clearly stated policies on maternal and paternal leaves. Read more
You’re managing your research programme, trying to publish, writing grants, and, depending on your career stage, looking for a postdoc or permanent position or supervising and mentoring junior lab members. Plus you likely have teaching obligations, are serving on a committee or three and have to give a big talk soon. Read more