EQUALITY GUIdE - KU Leuven

Chapter 4 ! Scientific communication 219
4.2. Evaluation of the training
After the exploration phase, in which a training programme was developed with twelve
female researchers, this training was given to the same group of women, (see invitation
in Tool Annex) and afterwards evaluated. Based on these results, the training programme
was updated, and for a second time given to female researchers of the other
Flemish universities (Uhasselt, UGent, VUB, K.U.Leuven), again followed by an
evaluation and update. The evaluation described below is based on both trainings.
4.2.1. Focus: strategic communication with the preservation of the unique female
character
The original focus was gender and scientific communication, particularly the communication
of scientists with society. Very soon, however, it became clear that the female
researchers interpreted the term ‘scientific communication’ as all communication activities
of researchers about their study in order to keep on growing to the top. That is why
the project was extended to include strategic communication and gender.
Moreover, the training course had to offer an instrument teaching female researchers
how to communicate in a more flexible, tactful and strategic way without losing the
unique character of female scientists. By unique character, we mean the narrow link
with family life, personal aspirations, enthusiasm about one’s own research, solidarity
with the job etc.
Moreover, the training had to be very practical, by using exercises, filming the presentations,
etc. However, there could also be topics, stories to which the participants simply
had to listen. Furthermore, the training had to be supportive, contribute to the career,
be change-oriented, show results, ...
4.2.2. Composition of the group
In the first group of female participants, there were female researchers from several
statutes and from the different faculties and disciplines of the University of Antwerp.
The group contained 3 PhD students, 1 PhD assistant, 1 post-PhD, 4 lecturers, 2 main
lecturers and 1 professor. Some participants had experience with the gender topic
thanks to their research context.
The second group contained participants from several Flemish universities, who were
selected by the project assistants of the VLIR-EQUAL-project. To this group belonged:
1 doctoral student, 1 scientific employee, 4 doctor-assistants, 5 post-docs, 3 lecturers
and 1 main lecturer. It was striking that many of those participants had experience with
the gender theme, through membership of a work group or a centre for women’s
studies.