How can I tell whether women students feel included in laboratory life?
During visits or information sessions, observe whether students, including women, can naturally ask questions, join discussions, and take part in laboratory work. If possible, ask current women students about access to supervision, information, equipment, mentoring, and support. Also check official information on student support and harassment consultation, and compare several sources before forming a view.
Key points
- During a visit, observe whether students speak up, ask questions, and participate in laboratory activities.
- If possible, ask current women students about access to supervision, information, equipment, mentoring, and support.
- Check official information on student support and harassment consultation.
Things to check
- Do not treat one student's experience as representative of the whole laboratory; compare multiple sources.
- What information is available and what is easy to assess can vary by laboratory and field.