The Springboard programme aims to support female staff in the highly competitive academic environment, where they are still out numbered by their male peers. Focus is 
placed on building confidence, identifying goals and strengths and dealing with stress and pressure. The programme also endeavors to provide networking opportunities with female colleagues to overcome the sense of isolation that many women researchers report experiencing.
The Springboard Development Programme was introduced at the College for the first time in September 2008 to benefit women researchers. Dr Liz Elvidge, Development Manager at the College, organised the programme. She said: “Springboard is a unique development programme and looks holistically at the issues and challenges women face both professionally and personally. It provides a support network and enables women from different disciplines but at the same career stage, to discuss issues confidentially and in a supportive environment.”
Rector Sir Roy Anderson recently addressed women who had recently finished the programme. He said: “Congratulations to all of you on taking part in this programme. It's wonderful to have an opportunity to get together in this way since an academic career can be deeply rewarding but there are also pressures. Initiatives such as these are important, since they give you time with your peers to discuss shared issues and to discover you are not alone and find support.”
He added: “The world is crying out for highly trained specialists in science, engineering and medicine. We cannot afford to lose your talent and innovation, and therefore we must make sure that the specific challenges faced by women are acknowledged and addressed.”
For more information on the Springboard Programme and other College initiatives aimed at supporting women researchers, read the complete press relsease.
Content added on 26 December 2008.
Back
