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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.03.07.483337

Gender-based disparities and biases in science: observational study of a virtual conference

Zhang, J.·Torchet, R.·Julienne, H.
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Abstract

Success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) remains influenced by race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here, we focus on the impact of gender on question-asking behavior during the 2021 JOBIM virtual conference (Journees Ouvertes en Biologie et Mathematiques). We gathered quantitative and qualitative data including : demographic information, question asking motivations, live observations and interviews of participants. Quantitative analyses include unprecedented figures such as the fraction of the audience identifying as LGBTQIA+ and an increased attendance of women in virtual conferences. Although parity was reached in the audience, women asked half as many questions as men. This under-representation persisted after accounting for seniority of the asker. Interviews of participants highlighted several barriers to oral expression encountered by women and gender minorities : negative reactions to their speech, discouragement to pursue a career in research, and gender discrimination/sexual harassment. Informed by the study, guidelines for conference organizers have been written.

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Zhang, J., Torchet, R., Julienne, H.. 2022-03-08. Gender-based disparities and biases in science: observational study of a virtual conference. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.07.483337

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