ReseaRch Quality assuRance foR the futuRe a ... - Lund University

Part 2 – Conclusions of the review
supportive infrastructure for child care, the Swedish academic scene
is not conducive to junior women faculty. (American academia is
not known for its sensitivity to gender issues, but even there, there
is job security once tenure is achieved. Moreover, the tenure clock is
nowadays held back if children are born during the tenure-earning
period). Some women we talked to had held research cum teaching
positions for over 10 years without apparent prospect of a permanent
post. A process that in some countries (e.g. UK), is severely discouraged.
Several felt burdened by family needs and did not think that
they were serving as good role models for junior women.
94. We echo our previous recommendation (section F2d) that the
University should move to a system in which basic funding for a
staff positions is stable and independent of fluctuations in funds
from external agencies; that there should be a clear point of entry
to faculty positions (section F2a); that those who fail this hurdle
should not be maintained on perennial, short term, temporary
contracts; and that there should be flexibility in the probationary
period in the event of child birth.
b) Paternity Leave Issues
95. While the rest of the world looks at the paternity leave policies in
Nordic countries with awe and envy, it is interesting to note that
it may affect women’s careers in unintended ways. It appears that
even though men also partake in this activity, women are expected
to take care of the child in the first year. Usually women take
6-12 months leave from their job, which may be too long a break
in research careers. It was not clear why women could not come
back to work on a flexible time basis sooner after the baby’s birth.
Apparently, it is not done and child care for only a few hours is not
possible to arrange for an infant. This is a societal issue and could
be handled with some planning and cooperation. Women should
be able to get back to research and scientific interactions even while
taking care of a baby. There are a number of models that could be
adopted, as deemed fit, on an individual basis.
96. We recommend that academic units, and the University, should facilitate
continued scientific engagement of women who have infants
by being supportive and providing a child friendly environment and
infrastructure. Flexible working conditions and timings would be
41