PhD fellows and postdocs in Norway spend more time on research than their German colleagues. This time use survey could give us an idea of why.

Round after round of temporary hiring and a non-stop pursuit of excellence and funding may impair progress towards gender equality in academia, according to research conducted at the University of Oslo.

Does a greater number of foreign researchers in Norwegian academia create a more inclusive work environment for everyone?

The call comes from Curt Rice, Executive Director of Fulbright Norway. He recently visited the US to discuss research exchanges with researchers, heads of institutions and members of Congress in light of new requirements.

The gender equality aspect was missing in the first national evaluation of the Quality Reform. This is evident in the government report on the reform.

Researchers are seeing a gradual shift towards greater diversity in European statistics. “She Figures” has reported on gender balance in research for over 20 years, and intersectionality is finally coming into its own. But be aware of some classic pitfalls, says researcher.

In order to achieve gender equality, we must change the structures in academia. This requires a systematic effort in which the top-level administration at each institution takes active part, according to Linda Marie Rustad, Senior Adviser for the Committee for Gender Balance in Research (KIF).

A lack of professional leadership is an obstacle to achieving gender equality in academia, according to Curt Rice, Vice Rector at the University of Tromsø. He is calling for stronger leadership and new ways of working. His first priority is to ensure that more women reach the top.

“The Kif committee does a crucial job. It will be exciting to serve on it,” says Elisabet Ljunggren, Senior Researcher at the Nordland Research Institute. Ljunggren is one of the members of the new Committee for Gender Balance in Research (the Kif committee).

The rectors of Norwegian universities and university colleges welcome the Research Council’s new initiative to promote women in research. 

Elisabeth Isaksson’s research field has been filled with bearded old men throughout its history, and up until the 1990s female researchers were denied access to stations in the polar region. But something has changed.

The majority of young girls reject science studies, but not everyone. What makes girls choose these male-dominated subjects? That is what Marianne Løken wants to find out.

New projects at the University of Tromsø aim to prevent dropout and improve grades among female students. "We want to show that there’s a place for everyone in the sciences," says the project’s leader.

"We are finding that we fill a gap," says Laila Bokhari, who is coordinator of Women and Security, one of the 15 new and existing networks gaining new impetus this spring with funding from the Committee for Mainstreaming – Women in Science.