Gendering Excellence in Technological Research

Abstract

Gender patterns in technological and engineering research careers were explored in a EU funded 13-country study PROMETEA, conducted 2005-2007, including old and new EU member states, as well as Serbia, Russia and Chile. Drawing on the data from this study, the article analyses the gendering of key arenas of excellence in technological and engineering research from a comparative international perspective, with focus on research funding, publishing, scientific prizes and awards, and patents. A central challenge for gender-sensitive science and research policy is how to combine the promotion of scientific excellence with the promotion of gender equality. Exploring gendering of excellence in technology and engineering research is of especial interest because of the strong position this field enjoys in European research policy and in national research policies, and because it continues to be the most male-dominated research field in Europe. The article also discusses methodological challenges of this type of international research.

Keywords

• technological research
• engineering
• excellence
• gender
• gate-keeping
• research funding