Speaker
Dr
Kate Shaw
(CERN)
Description
Physics is an objective and precise science. We are careful to not allow our or anyone else's personal biases, emotions, or cultural influences to effect interpretations of data, characterising the scientific method. However, in the past, and it could be argued still today, we do allow these vices to affect the way we think about the people doing science, be them ourselves or others. This can cause problems for minority groups in physics, such as women, by not only encountering prejudice, and from lack of confidence, but also due to systems that were designed to suit a specific type of scientist, traditionally who are male. There are many other factors that cross-correlate, such as economic background, geographic location, and ethnicity, that have similar battles but manifested in different ways. This talk will explore these issues, with some focus on South Africa, and look to how we can become more scientific, in our approach to people, as we are to our data.
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
No
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
N/A
Primary author
Dr
Kate Shaw
(CERN)