The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Angus scientist to join trek to end of the Earth
ANTARCTICA: Carnoustie woman part of all-female expedition to raise awareness of global gender issues
A Carnoustie scientist is joining an all-female expedition to the end of the Earth.
Homeward Bound will tackle Antarctic seas again in February 2018 with 80 intrepid female scientists joining the global movement.
The world’s largest all-female expedition to Antarctica will raise awareness of the low representation of women in leadership positions in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine).
Beth Christie from Carnoustie, a lecturer in education at Edinburgh University, said she was passionate about “revisioning education for a sustainable future”.
She has worked closely with academics, teachers and leaders across Scotland to consider how this future may develop in theory, practice and policy.
Beth is also the associate editor of the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.
She said: “I look forward to gaining a clearer understanding of myself, our collective message and taking steps towards action through the Homeward Bound programme.”
Beth previously held research and teaching positions at St Andrews and Dundee universities.
With an even bigger expedition planned for 2018, Homeward Bound, led by Australian leadership activist Fabian Dattner, has gathered a new crew of 80 female scientists from across the globe to take part in the year-long programme to develop leadership, strategic and communication capabilities, culminating in a three-week voyage to Antarctica.
Ms Dattner said: “Homeward Bound has had the support of influential figures in advocating for gender equality, including Amy Poehler, Chelsea Clinton and Sheryl Sandberg, and has had its message amplified by publications such as the New York Times, CNN, Quartz, BBC, ABC News and many more.
“Collaborative teams of women, over the next 12 months, will focus on developing the leadership capabilities to influence significant issues at a global level including climate change, deforestation, species extinction and quality of life.
“Teams will also tackle specific gender issues, such as sexual harassment and bullying, as they affect the progression of women in general, and specifically in STEMM.”
Homeward Bound’s maiden voyage was peer reviewed by the first 76 participants and is set to be significantly bigger, more influential and more relevant as a result.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk
Teams will also tackle specific gender issues, such as sexual harassment and bullying, as they affect the progression of women in general, and specifically in STEMM.
FABIAN DATTNER