Unconcious Bias in Academia
Resources on tackling unconcious bias in academia
Harvard Implicit Bias Test:You can take the test here: Project Implicit Harvard
This test was developed by a team or researchers working at Harvard University and contributes to an ongoing research program that is examining explicity biases. It designed to assist people from all backgrounds, recognize unconscious/hidden biases which may unknowingly distort our objective evaluation and treatment of others based upon race, gender, religion, culture, etc.
A summary of the development of test (known as the Implicit-Association Test (IAT) can be found here
The American Physical Society provides a range of advice for reducing unconscious bias on their website here.
YouTube Videos on unconscious bias
Royal Society, UK, 2015, Understanding Unconscious Bias
Ted Talk, Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat and Higher Education, Russell McClain, Dean, University of Maryland, Baltimore, December 2018
Recruitment and reducing bias: training videos
Tackling Recruitment Bias in Research Institutes, training video from the CERCA Institute, Catalonia, Spain
University of Lausanne (In French with English subtitles) video designed to reduce unconscious bias in university recruitment
Universtiy of Bern (In German with French and English subtitles) video designed to address improving gender balance in recruiting professors
University of Zürich video (in German with English subtitles) on Diversity in 2019.
Juno Project
- It is recognized that there are gender issues in physics departments internationally. An successful approach that is used in the UK to change the culture is a ‘Juno’ award.
- Juno addresses gender equality in physics and encourages best practice for all staff
- A similar approach could be carried out in Switzerland, building on the experience that has been acquired by Juno. There are 6 principles. An external review panel can help guide and assess the department.
- A robust organisational framework to deliver equality of opportunity and reward
- Appointment and selection processes and procedures that encourage men and women to apply for academic posts at all levels
- Departmental structures and systems which support and encourage the career progression and promotion of all staff and enable men and women to progress and continue in their careers
- Departmental organisation, structure, management arrangements and culture that are open, inclusive and transparent and encourage the participation of all staff
- Flexible approaches and provisions that enable individuals, at all career and life stages, to optimise their contribution to their department, institution and to SET An environment where professional conduct is embedded into departmental culture and behaviour