Track 4. Bridging the diversity gap in STEM

Presentation

Diversity lack and gender inequality is a global problem in different sectors, but is especially latent in the context of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), especially at the university level and, therefore, labor market. Attracting representative people from all sectors of society, different cultures, disabilities, ethnic groups, gender or sexual orientation is one of the objectives that can be found in the strategic plans not only of large companies but also of organizations, institutions and governments. In this context, women are one of the groups with less representation in STEM, although they represent 50% of population.

Several studies show that women are underrepresented in STEM areas in higher education. In particular, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study comes out that only 30% of woman choose studying STEM careers. This problem is more pronounced at senior levels in both academic and professional contexts.

In the last decades, a large number of initiatives have emerged, at a regional, national and international level, whose main goal is to reduce the gender gap and promote diversity in STEM sectors from different points of view. This track aims to identify, share and valorize experiences, projects and best practices focused on promoting diversity and gender equality in STEM sectors, both academic and professional.

Topics

  • Fostering diversity in STEM fields
  • Attracting women to STEM studies
  • Diversity and inclusion at university
  • Teaching innovation related to gender and diversity
  • Best practices about diversity in STEM
  • Dissemination initiatives to promote diversity in STEM
  • Gender studies in STEM
  • Actions against prejudices and stereotypes
  • Promoting women in scientific careers

Special Issue

Special Issue “Diversity and equity in STEM” in IEEE-RITA http://rita.det.uvigo.es/VAEPRITA/index.php?content=ProxNum&idiom=En

Track Scientific Committee

Alicia García-Holgado (University of Salamanca, Spain) – Chair

Carina S. González-González (University of La Laguna, Spain) – Chair

Aruquia Peixoto (CEFET/RJ, Brazil) – Chair

Noura Aknin (Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Morocoo)

Pino Caballero-Gil (University of La Laguna, Spain)

Amparo Camacho Díaz (Universidad del Norte, Colombia)

Ángeles Domínguez Cuenca (Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico)

Camino Fernández-Llamas (University of León, Spain)

Francisco José García-Peñalvo (Universidad de Salamanca, Spain)

Rosa Gil-Iranzo (University of Lleida, Spain)

Ana María González Ramos (GENTIC, Internet Interdisciplinary Institute, IN3, Open University of Catalonia, Spain)

José Carlos Sánchez-Prieto (University of Salamanca, Spain)

Juanjo Mena (University of Salamanca, Spain)

Lourdes Moreno (University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain)

Patricia Paderewski (University of Granada, Spain)

Pedro Plaza (UNED, Spain)

María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya (Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico)

Elvira Rincón-Flores (Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico)

M. Cruz Sánchez-Gómez (University of Salamanca, Spain)

Patricia Sánchez-Holgado (University of Salamanca, Spain)

María Luisa Sein-Echaluce Lacleta (University of Zaragoza, Spain)

Andrea Vázquez-Ingelmo (University of Salamanca, Spain)

Sonia Verdugo-Castro (University of Salamanca, Spain)