19/02/2025
In this Editorial, Nuala CAFFREY, EMA Officer, discusses Gender and Diversity within the EMA
Dear colleagues,
As the Officer of Gender and Diversity within EMA, my role is to 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.
In a time when efforts to foster inclusion and equity in science face new challenges, the importance of maintaining and advancing EMA’s commitment to diversity cannot be overstated.
In 2024, I developed practical guidelines for EMA-hosted and -supported events to help organizers integrate inclusivity and diversity into every stage of planning and execution. Additionally, I worked on creating an efficient mechanism to collect and analyse gender and diversity data from these events. I look forward to continuing to support the organizers of future JEMS and ESM events in making them inclusive for all participants.
The 2025 UNESCO Women & Girls in Science Day (February 11th) is fast approaching. The theme this year, ‘Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,’ will resonate with those of us who have navigated careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as women, as well as with those who support women to flourish within these fields. Aside from discussions and roundtables, this year’s event calendar also includes a screening of the documentary “Women of Science: These women who change our lives”, directed by Safia Kessas. It promises to be an enlightening and enjoyable event. You can register to attend virtually here.
To mark the day within EMA, we’re shining a spotlight on #HerVoiceinScience! If you identify as a woman working in magnetism or adjacent fields, we’d be grateful if you could take just 2 or 3 minutes to complete this brief survey. Your responses will be anonymous and will help us amplify the real voices and experiences of women in our community. Selected quotes will be shared on social media (anonymously!) to inspire and connect others.
Finally, we are currently looking for people to join the EMA Gender & Diversity team - if you are interested, please email equity@magnetism.eu with a brief statement of interest. PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers are particularly encouraged to apply!
Last but not least, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments related to gender and diversity in EMA, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Nuala CAFFREY, Officer for Gender and Diversity