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IIASA corner The Women in Science Club (WISC) at IIASA is a network that aims to amplify the scientific contributions of women at the institute. The club is comprised of over 60 members – not all women – who either work at or have a connection with IIASA. Since 2017, the club has organized training sessions, scientific lectures, and discussions at IIASA, and provided a platform and support network for tackling some of the challenges facing women in science. “Through social media and our club discussions we frequently see the challenges that women of different academic backgrounds face, be it generational or cultural differences, when hiring, retaining, and promoting researchers. There are very few women at IIASA in management positions and very few in the late-stage of their careers, which makes it additionally challenging to highlight some of the obstacles women face,” says WISC President Amanda Palazzo. The idea for a club came about after a visit from Tarja Halonen, a Finnish politician who served as President of Finland, who visited IIASA to talk about diversity and equality issues. Her talk confirmed to the club founders that the challenges faced by women working in science are not unique. “The club aims to provide a positive, constructive, and supportive environment. It is open to all genders and all professional backgrounds and we have so far succeeded in creating a community where people can connect with each other,” explains Monika Bauer, WISC vice president. During the past summer, the club announced a mentoring program for its members, and the WISC coordinators are now in the process of matching up suitable pairings. “The mentoring program will provide guidance and support to people who are looking to navigate their careers. Mentors will not provide scientific or professional supervision, but may offer advice on tackling challenges and support professional development,” says Palazzo. For now, the scheme is a pilot program, but the organizers hope that after evaluation, it can be expanded in coming years. Also to be launched in the fall, is a Women in Science Fund which aims to provide financial support to women at all career levels who are connected to science and IIASA, both now and in the future. Monies raised will be used to fund research fellowships at the institute, as well as a variety of professional development opportunities and the WISC mentoring program. At the leaving party of outgoing IIASA Director General Pavel Kabat, he pledged, alongside his wife, Anneke Kabat- Geselschap, to donate 20,000 Euros to the Women in Science Fund. "I am so proud that this fund was conceptualized and grew using the grassroots nature of our club. The gift from Pavel and Anneke empowers us with resources to allow the Women in Science Club to continue to make a difference in the IIASA scientific community," adds Palazzo. www.iiasa.ac.at/WISC INSTITUTE NEWS © WISC | IIASA Written by: Philippa Baumgartner Supporting women in science “The unique thing about WISC events are that they bring people – researchers, professional staff, administrators, management, and directors – to the table to discuss pressing issues together,” Monika Bauer. 27www.iiasa.ac.at OptionsWinter 2018/19