Women in Science and Engineering:
What the Research Really Says

Thursday, April 14

7:00pm -9:30pm

Harvard President Lawrence Summers remarked that women's under-representation at the highest levels of STEM careers is (1) primarily caused by "intrinsic aptitude" differences between men and women in math and science ability, and (2) only to a lesser extent caused by overt or "passive discrimination or stereotyping."

In a panel moderated by Professor Jo Handelsman (Plant Pathology, and co-Director of the Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute), UW-Madison experts comment on the scientific evidence for Summers' claims, focusing on:

Are there gender differences in brain structure?

Assistant Professor Paul Whalen, Department of Psychiatry

How does the brain respond to social competition?

Associate Professor Linda Oakley, School of Nursing

What is the evidence for gender disparities in mathematics test scores?

Professor Caitilyn Allen, Department of Plant Pathology and Women's Studies Program

How do unconscious biases and assumptions affect the careers of women in scientific and engineering fields?

Professor Molly Carnes, Department of Medicine and co-Director, Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute

What is the current status of women in science and engineering fields at the UW-Madison?

Chancellor John Wiley

Especially invited:

Women in sciences;

Parents and teachers interested in how children will access opportunities in STEM fields;

Scholars in these fields;

Anyone interested in the scientific evidence for, or the policy ramifications of, Summers’ remarks.