Picture a Scientist Film Review and Discussion
In early November, CRS hosted a viewing of Picture a Scientist, a Tribeca Film Festival feature that examines the disparity, obstacles, and underrepresentation of women in science. This virtual viewing took place throughout the weekend of November 6-8 as dozens flocked to their digital seats to witness the all-too-familiar trials, tribulations, and injustices experienced by women in STEM fields in academia.
On the following Friday, November 13, CRS held an open discussion to explore some of the thought-provoking themes from the movie. 14 staff, faculty, and trainees gathered virtually to reflect upon their own experiences, personal and professional – experiences that are far too common and frequent, and that pervade every level of academia.
The biases that women face range from the implicit and subtle to the explicit and direct, and although the method of delivery varies, the pain is the same. Suggestions that female students who are interested in pursuing science should only pursue nursing are just as problematic as women scientists’ research and progress being stunted by fewer resources, such as financial support and lab space.
Despite the troubling nature of these common circumstances, the group also took solace in and derived hope from the collective power of building one another up, sharing these experiences, and of ensuring that actual change and progress are being made on all levels by women and their allies. Equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not buzzwords or boxes to check off, they are actions that require effort, but that effort is worth it to ensure that reproductive science (and all knowledge really) remains accessible for all who wish to study it. The Center for Reproductive Science remains committed to elevating women in STEM and providing space and opportunities for their advancement through initiatives such as the Marcia L Storch Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate Women, and to growing in our support for everyone who plays a part in our community.