Book launch for “Women in Science Now” with Lisa MunozMore diversity and gender justice in science

2 August 2024

Photo: Sebastian Zubrzycki

Inspiring women to pursue careers in science, gaining visibility for female researchers, and improving their working conditions – gender justice is currently one of the central questions in science culture. And although progress has been made, there’s still much to be done. Accordingly, Universität Hamburg invited science author Lisa Munoz to present her book “Women in Science Now.” The reading left a lasting impression – in part because it struck a personal chord. 

After presenting her book, Lisa Munoz kicked off the follow-up discussion with a question: “What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the word ‘scientist’”? – “A man … my dad,” said a member of the audience, “which is strange, since my mom is a professor, too.” This was greeted with sympathetic nods from many in the hall of the State Library, where it was standing room only. There is considerable interest in the topic – as could be seen not only by the attendance of Universität Hamburg’s Vice-President, Prof. Jetta Frost, but also roughly 50 others who made their way to the library despite the pouring rain.

In her book “Women in Science Now: How to Use Science to Overcome the Remaining Obstacles to Equity,” Munoz analyzes the situation of women in the natural sciences. She sheds light on the obstacles they face on a daily basis and presents strategies for more equal opportunities. After all, despite the growing awareness of the topic, there’s still room for improvement: hiring and promotion processes need to be critically reassessed, more flexible working conditions are called for, and we need to see more women in managerial positions, at conferences and on committees. In short: we need female role models for the next generation.

“Real change comes when it goes into the depths of the organization and is developed as well as lived together,” says Professor Johanna Baehr, spokeswoman of the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS. “This is the only way we can permanently change structures. One component of achieving this are events like this one with Lisa Munoz, which create a culture of open discussion. Groups like 'Diverse Climates Hamburg' continue to provide impulses at Universität Hamburg.”

Lisa Munoz was invited by CLICCS as part of the event series Diverse Climates Hamburg, which focuses on workplace diversity, inclusion and empathy in the academic world. Munoz hails from the US and has more than 20 years’ experience in the American and European academic systems – as a journalist for e.g. the New York Times and Scientific American, and in public relations work. In “Women in Science Now,” she shares her own experiences and uses the latest findings to spur on a transformation in science culture.