WISELI: reducing barriers to women in science.(Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute )

Long before Harvard president Lawrence Summers made headlines in January 2005 by speculating about innate gender differences in scientific ability, concern was growing about the shortage of women in math, science and engineering. In 2001 nine universities received National Science Foundation ADVANCE program grants to identify and resolve barriers to women scientists and engineers in academic careers.

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, professor of plant pathology Dr. Jo Handelsman co-directs the Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI), funded for 2001-06 by the $3.75 million NSF grant. She spoke at the UW Foundation's Women and Philanthropy forum in Madison in November 2005.

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Women were earning half the bachelor's degrees in science and engineering by 2001, and earn nearly half the PhDs in biology today. But women are only 30% of assistant biology professors and less at higher ranks. The ratio is lower in physical sciences and men have a near-monopoly of engineering, limiting diversity and talent.

"Diversity improves the vigor of a scholarly community," Handelsman said. Heterogeneous groups are more effective at problem solving, demonstrate more creativity and defend their decisions more effectively. Minority voices strengthen the majority. Including ethnic minorities on a jury doesn't change the outcome but such juries deliberate longer and better.

Driving women and minorities away limits access to the best talent. Universities should ask themselves: Are we getting the best talent? Are we providing opportunities for all qualified students? Do we offer role models? Are we creating the best environment for academic pursuits?

Identifying barriers