Participation of women medical Physicists in European scientific events: The European experience. (February 2018) - Platoni, Kalliopi
Highlights: Approximately 50% of the participants in courses are wMPs seeking further training. WMPs are interested in having an active role in scientific progress. WMPs are under-represented in special invited roles in scientific events. The major involvement of wMPs is in organizing committees. Possible ways are proposed to correct the situation of wMPs in Europe. Abstract: Purpose: Though the number of women scientists is increasing over the years, studies show that they are still under-represented in leadership roles. The purpose of this work is to establish the percentage of women Medical Physicists (wMPs) that have participated in European scientific events and evaluate it as an indication of the current position of women in the field of Medical Physics in Europe and to propose possible ways to encourage their participation. Materials and Methods: Data regarding the participants in European scientific events of Medical Physics were collected. The participants were divided into categories according to the program of the events and their gender was identified. The percentage of wMPs in each category was evaluated. Results: The participation of wMPs attending courses is greater than 50%. The categories with the greatest participation are "Organizing Committees", "Chairpersons-Moderators" and "Oral Presentations". The categories with the lower participation of wMPs are "Scientific Committee", "Symposiums" and "Invited Speakers". None of wMPs were represented as "Course Directors". Conclusions: The attendance of wMPs in courses is slightly greater than average. However, wMPs do not have an equally important recognition in special invited roles in conferences. They are still under-represented in "Scientific Committees", "Invited Speakers", "Symposiums" and "Course directors". wMPs should be encouraged to participate even more actively in European conferences and the organizing committees should invite more wMPs in special roles. More studies concerning the status of female MPs in each country separately should be encouraged as they will help in understanding the position of wMPS in Europe.