Abstract

“Some have a dream that, one fine day, there will be equal numbers of men and women in all jobs, including those in scientific research. But I think this dream is Utopia.” (Dr. P. Lawrence, excerpt from ‘Men, Women and Ghosts in Science’, available on-line from PLOS ).

This article by Dr. Lawrence is the inspiration for our exciting Q&A debate, as The Triple Helix brings before you some of the most renowned scientists with an interest in gender differences, including:

• Dr. Lawrence himself
• Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen (‘The essential difference. Men, women and the extreme male brain’)
• Prof. Athene Donald (FRS and Director of WiSETI)
• Dr. Yulia Kovas (research into ‘Generalist Genes’ and mathematical ability in boys and girls)
• and Dr Helena Cronin (‘The Ant and the Peacock: Altruism and Sexual Selection from Darwin to Today’)

Come ready to challenge the panel as we explore the ways in which science – as a subject area, a profession, an activity – interacts with, and perhaps even reinforces, gender differences. Do women have a stronger drive to empathize? Does evolution account for male dominance in engineering, science and maths? Come and help us draw out the social implications at what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting speaker events of the Cambridge calendar.

Entry is free-of-charge. For those interested in becoming part of The Triple Helix, there will be a squash following the event at which you can meet some of the current and new members of the organisation. Visit our website www.thetriplehelix.org for more information on available positions.