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Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Focus Group

Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Focus Group provides STFC with first hand views and insights into the issues that affect the retention and career development of women working in STFC's areas of science. The Focus Group reports to the Education, Training and Careers Committee which has a remit to ensure that career development and training policy takes into account the need to improve the retention and participation of women in SET.

Secondary roles of the Focus Group are to provide a forum for women from different science areas to meet and exchange views and to provide development opportunities for women researchers through being involved in an STFC consultation group.

Remit

To advise the Education, Training and Careers Committee on measures to remove barriers to the participation of women in STFC activities, including: involvement in advisory bodies; applying for and being in receipt of funding; and, hence support the retention and career progression of women working in STFC areas of science.

To provide input to Equality Impact Assessments of STFC policies and procedures.

To monitor on an annual basis the gender make up of STFC advisory bodies and applicants and recipients of funding, making recommendations for action where necessary.

Membership

The Focus Group membership is drawn from female researchers at a range of career stages and, as far as possible, from the different science areas within the STFC remit. There is cross-membership from the Education, Training and Careers Committee and the Women in STEM network. Members from outside the scientific remit of STFC may be co-opted to bring particular insights and expertise to the Focus Group.

Membership of the Focus Group is rotated, with members serving up to four years.

Meetings

The Focus Group meets twice a year. Secretariat support for meetings is provided by the Education, Training and Careers Group within the Science Programme Office of STFC.

Returner Fellowships and Bursaries

STFC Fellowships

In the annual call for Fellowship applications, applications are particularly welcome from those seeking to resume a research career following a period of absence, normally of at least two years. Institutions are strongly encouraged to provide appropriate support for returners to research, such as mentoring and tailored updating of skills.

STFC Return to Research Bursary

STFC Operates a Return to Research Bursary scheme for those seeking to resume an academic research career after a break. Up to six bursaries a year are available to support the development of a proposal for submission to the STFC Fellowship scheme. The funding may be used to cover reasonable costs associated with visiting the Host Institution. Eligible costs include additional childcare and travel to the Host Institution or to meetings. The maximum total value of the award is £2,500.

Daphne Jackson fellowships

STFC, along with other SET Research Councils, is a sponsor of the Daphne Jackson fellowship scheme (link opens in a new window), which is aimed at enabling scientists, engineers and technologists to return to their careers following a break. Fellowships are normally undertaken on a part time basis in a university or research establishment in the UK. They are flexible and include a tailored training programme designed to update the skills and knowledge of the Fellow thus allowing them to return at the appropriate level to their career. The Fellow is paid a salary, with a small additional allowance for expenses such as conference attendance.