Women in science

A University of St Andrews scientist will return this week from attending a prestigious international conference in Sweden for women scientists.

Dr Alex Slawin, from the University’s School of Chemistry, was awarded funding by the EPSRC (The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to attend a conference on the role of women scientists in higher education.

Dr Slawin, a Reader in Chemical Crystallography and Director of the Molecular Structure Lab, was one of only five scientist in the UK to be funded by the EPSRC to attend.

The conference, entitled ‘Women in the Life Sciences; Tools for Successful Research Careers’ took place in Stockholm, on the 3rd and 4th December, 2001.

The conference, held at the Karolinska Institutet, focussed on why the percentage of women scientists at high-level posts at European universities is so low.

Organisers of the conference employed the ‘inspirational learning’ approach, using presentations by experts in their fields of research as role models. One of the main aims of the conference was to inspire and encourage participants to progress with their careers.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: Alex Slawin conference pr 051201 View the latest University news at http://www.st- andrews.ac.uk/extrel/press.htm