Pandemic highlights how parenting researchers, women disadvantaged by academic systems: Study

A recent report published by the University of Lethbridge researchers argues that, “the current structure of the academic system — funding, publishing incentives and career options — disadvantages parents and women in particular.” HJ Wieden, Ute Kothe, and Luc Roberts suggest that the current pandemic deepens an already existing divide between parenting researchers and their peers without such responsibilities, a divide that will negatively impact “recruiting and retaining junior researchers and maintaining a diverse talent pool.” “It is critical that we analyze the effects of the pandemic on parenting researchers and trainees and seize the opportunity to thoroughly revamp the academic system,” they conclude, “and not simply go back to the old routine once it is over.” ULethbridge (AB, National)