Commemorating 10 years of gender equality in research funding at the SNSF
A scientific career without geographical mobility is no longer possible today. International mobility and networks have become key concepts for good and competitive scholarship. While being desirable, it almost seems as though mobility i.e. internationality has become a value in its own right. The fact that the politics of internationalization are also politics of interest, especially of national interest (brain gain, brain drain, brain circulation, return of investment) is often overlooked. Importantly, international mobility is also affected by personal decisions (gain of social capital, reciprocal relationship between mobility and excellence).
There are very good reasons to request and promote geographical mobility. Yet, there are equally good reasons to question today’s demands for and politics of internationality. Studies have shown that mobility is more problematic for female researchers than for their male colleagues. The factors are manifold: socialization, different priorities, dual careers, family. Although the problems relating to dual careers and the family also concern men, it has been shown that they affect women to a greater extent.
The conference is to critically reflect the topic of mobility – and the associated notion of networks – with regard to gender. Moreover, there is a focus on discussing measures which could alleviate this situation, especially with regard to research funding bodies.
Aim of the conference
Reflection of mobility and networks for research and for academic careers in general, especially from a gender perspective, as well as the discussion of specific measures.