Nepotism and sexism in peer-review
Article Abstract:
It is very hard for peer reviewers to judge scientific merit without reference to gender, according to research based on the peer-review system of the Swedish Medical Council. Peer reviewers tend to over-estimate the achievements of male scientists and under-estimate those of female scientists. They regard female scientists as being particularly deficient in scientific competence, which is generally seen as directly related to the number and quality of scientific publications of each applicant. This research indicates that there is an urgent need to develop a peer-review system which takes the weaknesses of human nature into account.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Action, not words
Article Abstract:
Annual government report on gender equality estimated that fewer than 12% of working scientists in Japan are women, the lowest proportion of any leading industrial nation, leading Japanese institutions to publicly acknowledge the problem and set targets to redress it. For this purpose a cabinet committee on gender has set target of having 30% of all 'leading positions' in society, which should include senior researchers occupied by women by 2020.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2005
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Save our city!
Article Abstract:
The Italian government is building a series of massive barriers to protect Venice from flooding. The various arguments put forth by the scientists regarding the success or failure of the plan is discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2003
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