Top scientists withdraw from committee over lack of female nominees

2 of Canada’s top female scientists have withdrawn from the selection committee of the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame in protest of the lack of female candidates nominated. This is the second year in a row that no women were nominated for induction. Judy Illes, a professor of neurology at UBC, and Catherine Anderson, from UBC’s faculty of medicine, said they stepped down to get the museum to increase efforts to solicit nominations from a more diverse and broader group. Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of youth outreach organization Actua, said that the lack of female nominees is reflective of public awareness and that the situation was an opportunity to raise the profile of female scientists and establish role models for youth. CBC | Globe and Mail