04/07/2022
In this Editorial, Nuala Caffrey, Officer for Gender and Diversity of the EMA, presents the policy of EMA regarding Gender and Diversity.
Dear colleagues,
The European Magnetism Association is an umbrella organization for the magnetism community across Europe and it strives to be a welcoming organization for everyone within that community, regardless of their gender, race, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, or social class.
The role of the Officer for Gender and Diversity within EMA was created in 2020 to evaluate, monitor, and improve gender and diversity outcomes across the many actions of EMA, including the Joint European Magnetism Symposia (JEMS), the European School on Magnetism (ESM), the awards, and the online seminar series.
For example, the value of JEMS and ESM is enhanced when attendees from all segments of the community are assured of a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, free from any discrimination and harassment that may prevent full participation. To this end, we have recently introduced a Code of Conduct for these events. Furthermore, events co-organized or endorsed by the EMA, such as JEMS and ESM, and those supported by a technical sponsorship will be tasked with making a concerted effort to achieve an appropriate representation of women and other minorities at these events.
For instance, from its inception in 2020, the organizing committee of the EMA e-seminar series has made a concerted effort to ensure its speakers represent the community from which they are drawn. For instance, 40% of all early-career speakers to date are female, closely matching the percentage of female doctoral graduates in the physical sciences at the European level (She Figures report, 2021).
Finally, for those of you planning to attend JEMS 2022, please join the special evening session on Gender and Diversity which will be held on the 28th of July. Dr. Angela Wroblewski from the Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, will discuss whether Horizon Europe's adoption of Gender Equality Plans can lead to evidence-based structural change. It promises to be a fascinating evening.
Gender and diversity actions are not only about addressing the needs of minority scientists and students - they are about ensuring the long-term creativity and vibrancy of the whole magnetism community. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With my best regards,
Nuala CAFFREY, Officer for Gender and Diversity