The impact of implicit bias for women in academia – and what to do about it
LERUOn 18 January LERU published its newest advice paper “Implicit bias in academia: A challenge to the meritocratic principle and to women's careers - And what to do about it” during a launch event in Brussels.
Academia prides itself on being a merit-driven sector. Power, rewards and resources go to those who deserve it: that is how academics get jobs and get promoted, how they get funded and published, that is how they become leaders in their fields and in their institutions – through rigorous, rational and fair competition which drives the most excellent people to the top. But then why does academia have so few female university rectors and presidents? Why do women do less well in competitions for academic jobs and money?