Please register online for this workshop.

For scientists today, there seems to be a sea of data.  But the extent to which those data can be used for meaningful research varies greatly. The title of this workshop is a play on a line from the poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” about a mariner who was the sole survivor of an ill-fated sea voyage in the 1700s. One of the lines, “Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink” referenced the fact that the ship was surrounded by undrinkable sea water. How do we work better with the data?

Lisa Frehill’s research on women in science and engineering, e.g. her co-edited 2015 book titled Advancing Women in Science: An International Perspective provides one example. What is the status of women in science and engineering (S&E) cross-nationally? With growing concerns about equity in S&E, there has been keen interest in cross-national analyses of women’s status in S&E. The seemingly simple question, however, hides layers of complexity and inappropriately homogenizes S&E. Lisa will briefly speak about the social science methodological considerations associated with cross-national analysis with illustrations from her work with multiple datasets about human resources in S&E.

She will then lead a discussion with workshop participants about data challenges in participants’ own projects. Participants will each have an opportunity to present a three minute project talk much like a 3MT (i.e., Three Minute Thesis talk). This talk will introduce their research in which they (1) motivate and pose a research question and (2) offer their current ideas about how they plan to answer the question. This activity is optional and does not need to be limited to research on gender and science.  All are more than welcome to attend. Themes raised in 3MT will form the basis of a discussion in this highly interactive seminar to engage participants in dialog about overcoming research challenges.

Lisa’s 20 years of experience as a researcher in industry, academic, and government settings provides a rich background to inform social science research investigating human resource issues in S&E using many methodological approaches. 

Mark your calendar! Participants from ANU and beyond are invited. Early career researchers and students are particularly welcome!

Registration online essential.