NIH Publication Traces Career Paths of Women In Science

“Women in Science at the National Institutes of Health 2007-2008″ is a new publication showcasing the achievements of some of the accomplished women at the NIH and is intended to inspire a diversity of girls and boys, women and men to enter or continue in science careers.  Sponsored and prepared by the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) with assistance from the members of the NIH Coordinating Committee on Research on Women’s Health, the book celebrates the careers and accomplishments of 289 talented female scientists and administrators who are part of the NIH community.  Each NIH Institute, Center and Office recommended up to 15 doctoral-level women to be featured in the publication.

The book features a wide range of the roles, positions, and contributions of women across the NIH, including but not limited to, clinicians, basic scientists, program directors, policy analysts, computer scientists, epidemiologists, geneticists, and statisticians, as well as directors and deputy directors of NIH Institutes and Centers.  Each profile consists of biographical information and research interests, descriptions of experiences that shaped their careers, how they manage work/life balance, and each woman’s thoughts on the importance of mentoring-both being mentored and mentoring others.

Readers will learn about the different paths each woman has taken and be encouraged by the women’s personal stories.  The book features women who started their education at community colleges, women who didn’t go to graduate school until they were in their 40’s and women whose childhood circumstances led them into a particular field of interest, such as addiction science.  Some of these women pursued high-level science careers while raising children alone; others balanced the demands of their job with the demands of a husband’s equally challenging job.

To download a free PDF copy or order a print copy of “Women in Science at the National Institutes of Health 2007-2008,” go to: http://orwh.od.nih.gov/pubs/pubs_list.html#wis.

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH) serves as a focal point for women’s health research at the NIH. For more information about NIH’s Office of Research on Women’s Health, visit http://orwh.od.nih.gov/.

AAAS Revises Guide to Science Policy Careers

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has revised its Guide to Graduate Education in Science, Engineering and Public Policy, a rich resource for those considering a career in science policy.

The 4th edition of the guide—available for free online—offers a discussion of possible career paths, an extensive list of internships, a list of nearly 50 schools and programs in the United States and abroad that offer special graduate programs or studies in science, engineering, and public policy (SEPP), and a wide-ranging collection of helpful links. Plus there’s discussion of possible career paths and answers to frequently asked questions about the field. Read more