Steps Towards Positive Change in the Geosciences: Inspiring Girls into Geoscience Scotland

Campbell, P. and Owen, A. (2023) Steps Towards Positive Change in the Geosciences: Inspiring Girls into Geoscience Scotland. 16th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, 29 Mar 2023.

Abstract

Underrepresentation of women is well documented in the geosciences (Mattheis et al., 2022; Pico et al., 2020) with geoscience subjects being recognised as some as the least diverse of all STEM fields (Mattheis et al., 2022; Gonzales & Keane, 2020). Due to a lack of geoscience curriculum and exposure in schools across Scotland, there is an increasing responsibility of geoscience departments to enhance the recruitment and retention of students, particularly for young women and underrepresented groups (Sexton, et al., 2018). Creating a welcoming environment and addressing the negative preconceptions of geoscience is key to promoting change. The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences (GES), University of Glasgow, is home to Girls into Geoscience (GIG) Scotland, a branch of the UK-wide grass-roots initiative launched in 2014. It aims to increase the visibility and inclusivity of geosciences as a subject for young people (ages 14-17) to study and pursue careers (Fisher, 2020). The events bring together high school pupils (S5 & S6), the GIG Scotland team consisting of members from GES (from PhD students to professional staff), and women from industry, government bodies, and across academia to highlight and promote the roles geoscientists play in our society. The first GIG Scotland event took place in 2019, consisting of interactive talks, hands-on workshops, and a visit to the Hunterian Museum. As a response to the pandemic, online UK-wide events took place in 2020-21 with GIG branches from Scotland, Plymouth, Wales, and Ireland collaborating to deliver inspiring speakers, workshops, and virtual fieldtrips, providing an insight into the wide variety of exciting careers and opportunities available in the field. We present insights into the positive impacts of GIG Scotland and virtual GIG events from participant survey data (2019-2021). We share contributions from a current GES postgraduate student who attended the event prior to undergraduate study, as well perspectives from attendees and GIG Scotland staff across GES involved in the events. Through this, we reflect on the importance of female role models in addressing gender imbalance in the geosciences. Planning for a hybrid GIG Scotland event in 2023 is currently underway, with hopes that these initiatives continue to stride towards positive change in the geosciences.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Keywords: Geoscience education, equality, role models
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Campbell, Dr Pamela and Owen, Dr Amanda
• Authors: Campbell, P., and Owen, A.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography; Q Science > QE Geology
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences