Against a background of increasing demand for a skilled workforce in science, engineering and technology (SET), the Symposium will focus on training, retention and advancement of skilled women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). A background paper of the November 2005 OECD - SFRI workshop on Women in Scientific Careers (p. 22, item 46) concluded that:

...women obtain more than half of all university degrees in many countries but only around 30% of university degrees awarded in science and technology, OECD countries face a paradoxical situation: a feminisation of the workforce in general and of university-trained graduates in particular, but continued under-representation of women in the research workforce. ...the available data tend to reinforce results from the academic literature that show women remain unevenly distributed in research occupations and under-represented in senior positions...

The Symposium will provide general reflections on gender and science and an opportunity to share and learn from successful strategies/programs implemented by countries, both in Eastern Europe and in Western countries, and those which have been less successful, in removing obstacles to women in STEM. The under-representation of women in STEM has been well documented and the underlying causes of this problem well studied. In an effort to address these barriers and issues, many countries have developed and implemented programs, structures and policies on gender mainstreaming/gender equity. The Symposium will explore the outcomes of various solutions which have been put in place in a number of countries. Small group sessions will facilitate discussion. Participants are asked to come prepared with examples from their own country for the discussion period.

• Plenary Lectures: The Conference Committee is proud to have so distinguished speakers for plenary lectures. Each speaker will offer a stimulating and insightful presentation.
• Panels: Following a brief introduction by the chair and short stimulus presentations from each member of the panel the audience will have the opportunity to pose questions to panel members to stimulate discussion among panellists and with the audience.
• Posters: A "poster" area with panels and tables will be available for providing and discussing information about results of relevant research or programs on the issue of women in SET or on programs implemented by universities, research institutions, etc. One poster should not exceed 1.2 m.
  

Venue

Aula Leopoldina and Oratorium Marianum (The main building of the University of Wroclaw; pl.Uniwersytecki 1,

Entrance - Imperial Blue Gate).