Flexibility, not toughness, can change lab culture

In an article published on the 25th February 2015 in Research Fortnight and Research Profession, Craig Nicholson explores the question “How tough must women be to change lab culture?”   The unanimous answer to this question at an event held on the 2nd February was – ‘Women who work in laboratories should not try to live up to a perceived ideal of toughness in order to change the culture, according to a panel at an event called Made of Steel.’

The full article can be seen here:

https://www.researchprofessional.com/0/rr/news/uk/careers/2015/2/Flexibility-not-toughness-can-change-lab-culture.html

 

‘Another issue discussed was the portrayal of female scientists and engineers in the media, and whether more glamorous role models were needed to persuade more girls to study STEM subjects. “Do we need a female Brian Cox?” asked the science and technology journalist Susan Watts, the chairwoman of the panel.’

What do you think?  Do we need a ‘female Brian Cox?’