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The ILL fully supports the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Innovation depends on diversity and inclusiveness. Although the gender balance in scientific organisations is slowly improving, women remain particularly poorly represented in many other areas of activity, and particularly so at decision-making level.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) reaffirms its commitment to equal gender opportunities, and fully supports this annual call by the United Nations for the recognition of women in science, of their achievements across the globe, and of the difficulties they face.

The ILL actively strives to increase the number of women within all parts of its staff and organizational bodies.  For example, gender equality is achieved amongst the ILL’s scientific group leaders and college secretaries. Each college deals with a particular field of research and associated neutron methods and instrumentation, and consequently college secretaries play a very important role in the scientific life of the ILL. They organise scientific events, they take part in the organisation of the proposal evaluation meetings (subcommittee meetings), they are part of the Annual Report production team, and they give input to the ILL Directors and Scientific Coordinator in their lead of the scientific life of the Institut.

As a socially responsible employer, the ILL cares about the physical and mental well-being of its staff. This is a fundamental part of our values. For the prevention of psychosocial risks in the workplace, a secure anonymised environment exists for those combatting sexist behaviour. 

Last but not least, the ILL's “gender equality index score”, as calculated by the French Ministry of Labour, equals 89 - out of 100 points - for 2020. This index is based on 5 indicators:

  • The gender pay gap,
  • The spread of individual increases,
  • The difference in the distribution of promotions
  • The number of female employees increased upon return from maternity leave,
  • Parity among the 10 highest salaries (not achieved at the ILL).

These are but a few of the initiatives being taken to break down the obstacles hampering women in science; they highlight the efforts being invested for genuine gender equality.

What chances are there for Science to meet the challenges humanity is facing today, if women, as one half of the human condition, are prevented from playing their full role?

Women will continue as a force for innovation in all areas of science, and the ILL remains committed to bridging the gender gap, prioritising equal opportunities for all.

The ILL also compliments the other EIROforum intergovernmental scientific research organisations for their actions:

  • The fifth edition of CERN’s programme “Women and Girls in Science and Technology”, 41 female scientists and engineers from CERN, University of Geneva and EPFL visited 66 classrooms (some physically, some via videoconference) in France and Switzerland.  Serving as ambassadors and role models for over 1300 young listeners between the ages of 7 and 15, they shared their various career path stories and life on-the-job experiences.
  • The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) has held two conferences on the impact of COVID-19 on women in science and Gender Roles and their Impact in Academia. The EMBL has also launched the pilot run of its mentorship programme – Leadership and Excellence for Aspiring Postdocs –supporting female postdocs across all of its sites to obtain leadership positions in academia. These are important steps in the construction of knowledge sharing and a supportive community.
  • EUROfusion has held its second Women’s Network event for the female participants at the Virtual Symposium on Fusion Technology, with a view to supporting engagement in high-profile conferences.
  • The European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to undertake the EDGE Assessment and Certification process to measure and certify its commitment and results with respect to gender equality in the workplace and has initiated a number of partnerships to promote STEM and space careers and reach out to girls and women, such as with Mattel, STEM Talent Girl, and the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society.
  • The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has ensured gender balance on its peer review panel and has started to implement dual anonymous peer reviews of the telescope time requests received for its facilities.
  • The ESRF Synchrotron@School programme, in collaboration with Women in Science, has been empowering students with hands-on experience in synchrotron science, breaking down gender stereotypes in research and encouraging young women to pursue a scientific career.
  • European XFEL is for a third time participating in dynaMENT, a mentoring program supporting female phD students and post-doctoral scientists in developing their career; in addition, it launches several virtual events such as a panel talk on the occasion of the International Women's Day and every year invites girls to its premises for a one-day deep insight into practical scientific work at XFEL.