Abolish ageism in early-career research awards
Abolish ageism in early-career research awards Nature.com
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Early-Career Academic Awards and Prizes: A Call for Change
Early-career academic awards and prizes should recognize outstanding scientific potential. However, the current eligibility criteria often rely on biological age, which perpetuates an outdated system that is biased against women and young parents. This system carries an implicit penalty for parenthood, hindering the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To address this issue, a new approach is proposed.
Introducing Career-Age Criteria
A more inclusive and fair approach would be to use career-age criteria instead of biological age. For instance, eligibility for these awards and prizes could be based on the number of years an individual has actively engaged in research after completing a PhD, with a limit of seven years. This would allow researchers who have experienced periods of research inactivity, such as due to parental responsibilities or other personal circumstances, to still be eligible for recognition.
The Importance of Gender Equality and Parental Support
By shifting the focus from biological age to career-age criteria, we can address the gender bias that currently exists in early-career academic awards and prizes. This change would create a more inclusive environment for women and young parents, enabling them to pursue their scientific careers without facing unnecessary barriers.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The proposed change in eligibility criteria for early-career academic awards and prizes aligns with several SDGs, including:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – By eliminating the bias against women and young parents, we promote gender equality in the academic field.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The new criteria ensure equal opportunities for all researchers, regardless of their personal circumstances.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – By recognizing outstanding scientific potential based on career-age criteria, we encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Conclusion
It is time to reevaluate the eligibility criteria for early-career academic awards and prizes. By shifting towards career-age criteria, we can create a more inclusive and equitable system that supports the achievement of the SDGs. It is crucial to recognize and value the contributions of all researchers, regardless of their age or parental status, in order to foster a diverse and thriving scientific community.
Competing Interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the issue of eligibility criteria for early-career academic awards and prizes that are biased against women and young parents. This connects to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It also relates to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
The article highlights the bias in eligibility criteria that penalizes women and young parents. By addressing this issue, it contributes to achieving Target 5.1 of ending discrimination against women and girls. Additionally, by advocating for fair recognition and opportunities for early-career researchers, it supports Target 8.5 of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
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Source: nature.com
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