WISC: Women and Inclusion in Supramolecular Chemistry
About WISC
WISC (Women and Inclusion In Supramolecular Chemistry) is an international network creating a sense of kinship and providing support for women and other marginalised groups in supramolecular chemistry. WISC is a unique subject-specific network that combines the “calling in” of the wider scientific community alongside the use of embedded reflective and qualitative research to address equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) issues to effect change.
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​​WISC believe that everyone should be included and welcomed in conversations about equality/equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility because building a fairer system benefits everyone. Our training workshops and events are open to participants of any gender, and all are welcome to access our online resources. Thus, we harness the calling in over the calling out approach (as defined in Chemistry World).
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We recognise that any discussion about gender and marginalisation in science is, and has to be, intersectional. Kimberlé Crenshaw introduced the theory of intersectionality, the idea that when it comes to thinking about how inequalities persist, categories like gender, race, and class are best understood as overlapping and mutually constitutive rather than isolated and distinct.[2]
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You can find out more about how WISC started and its methods in our open access book Women in Supramolecular Chemistry: Collectively Crafting the Rhythms of Our Work and Lives in STEM as well as using the buttons below​​
​WISC’s mission statement and goals are to:
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• support the retention and progression of women and other marginalised groups within supramolecular chemistry through community-led activities;
• increase equality/equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) by identifying and addressing barriers, and providing access to support and resources;
• raise awareness and highlight the emotional impact of marginalisation in chemistry and STEM to bring about change;
• facilitate an international sense of community and kinship to increase belonging;
• act as a blueprint model and framework for EDIA support.
WISC’s approach to Equality/Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) has three novel aspects:
• area-specific approach in order to “call in” the community to support its own;
• the embedding of EDIA expertise from trusted ‘insiders’ and conducting original research into the lived experiences of women and other marginalised groups;
• the use of creative and embodied research and dissemination approaches to facilitate connection within the community and engage with wider audiences and stakeholders.
Who does WISC support?
WISC support supramolecular chemists at all levels from early career researchers (including graduate students, post-docs, and early career independent researchers) to experienced Principal Investigators (PIs). WISC is inclusive to those of all genders, though it is focused primarily on supporting those who identify as women and other marginalised groups.
WISC uses an inclusive definition of women from the Women in Academia Support Network (with permission).[1] We are a place for those who identify as women, including trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified to share their experiences of professional and family life.
[1] https://www.facebook.com/groups/905644729576673/about; @wiasnofficial
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Our mission and values reflect the kind of community we want to build and be part of. You can find out more information about our mission statement and terms of reference.
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You can get involved in WISC including by:
• joining the mentoring network as a mentor/mentee,
• joining one of our Community Clusters
• taking part in events at conferences
• taking part in our research projects