Over the past two years, the website has been regularly updated with information about the FemStart project or other projects and events that consider similar issues. Please note that although the website will remain online until at least 2010, the website will not be updated frequently.
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BackDiscussing the role and responsibility of the mass media in portraying a positive representation of women in SET within the media will be the main theme of the UKRC’s annual conference.
On the 12 March, 2008 at the Church House Conference Centre, London, the UKRC will welcome SET journalists and PR professionals from the private and public sector along with representatives from science, engineering and technology organisations to discuss the main question of the day, “How does the media shape cultural stereotypes of women scientists and engineers and what can be done to address this?”
“The media is recognised as a key player in society, helping to define people’s sense of taken for granted normality as well as sometimes facilitating change”
The most positive assessments of media representation were seen in 2005 after the success of the TV drama Silent Witness. The drama, which featured a woman forensic scientist, was first featured at a time where there were no degree courses specific to forensic science in the UK. Its success soon became evident when experts revealed that it had contributed to a positive increase in students pursuing this field of study. In 2006 there were 475 courses containing forensic science elements on offer at 63 UK universities.
Such positive representations clearly indicate the media’s power to influence. The media’s representation of women in science, engineering and technology however remains inconsistent; with the media often seen to perpetuate stereotypes of women in particular occupations and not others.
Launching on the day will also be key findings from research commissioned by the UKRC. Research conducted by the Open University “Invisible Witnesses”, examined how children and young people interpret and contexualise images of STEM on UK TV. Cardiff University investigated the presence and representation of women scientists, engineers and technologists in the UK media. This research analysed how TV, film and newspapers portray women in SET and whether the media impacts on the under recruitment of and failure to retain women in SET.
Join Kirsty Wark, journalist, radio producer and TV presenter as she leads a headline of keynote and workshop speakers through an insightful day of presentations, discussion and workshops. Speakers include Maggie Philbin, Jenny Kitzinger, Cardiff University, Elizabeth Whitelegg, Open University and Katrina Nevin Ridley, Wellcome Trust
Workshops:
Press officers, key gatekeepers in the promotion of women in SET within the Media Role and responsibility of UK TV Drama (In)visible Witnesses – creating positive images of science, technology, engineering and maths on UK Children’s TV Journalists, friend or foe to women scientists?
Contact:
Telephone: 01274 436485
email: info@ukrc4setwomen.org
http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
Address:
Church House Conference Centre, London
Registration Fee:
Early Booking offer £85 + VAT (Ends 31st January 2008); Normal £160 + VAT
Further information:
Annual Conference