Dr Fernanda Staniscuaski - CMIC/WEISS Joint Seminar Series

Invited Speaker: Dr Fernanda Staniscuaski, Founder of the Parent in Science Movement & Winner of the Nature Research Award for Inspiring Women in Science 2021.

Title:  Parenthood and Academia - the Parent in Science Movement

Abstract: 

The mission of the Parent in Science Movement is to change how parenthood, more specifically, motherhood is perceived within academia, and to fight for a more equitable, diverse, and fair scientific environment. We promote the discussion about the impacts of motherhood on the academic career of scientists in Brazil and encourage the development of support policies aimed at mothers scientists, taking into consideration the intersection with race and all other aspects that impact motherhood. We were pioneers in raising data to comprehensively assess the consequences of the arrival of children in the scientific career of women and men, at different stages of their academic careers. We conducted an extensive survey on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of scientists here in Brazil. 

Therefore, Parent in Science has also contributed to generating quantitative data on gender and parenthood issues. We are winners of "Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science" by generating primary data on these barriers and the impact of motherhood in the scientists’ careers, we’ve been promoting affirmative actions and inclusive public policies to ensure women’s access, permanence and progression in STEM.

Bio: 

Fernanda Staniscuaski is a biologist, with a PhD on molecular biology and biotechnology from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil (2007) and a postdoctoral training at the University of Toronto (2008-2009). She currently holds an associate professor position at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil. Founder of the Parent in Science Movement. Winner of the Nature Research Award for Inspiring Women in Science 2021.

Chair: Janaina Mourao-Miranda