In alignment with its mission to address gender gaps and enhance equality between men and women in scientific inquiry, the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR) established the Gender and Reconciliation Committee (GTT) in 2024. Dr. Renato Quiñones, the Director of INCAR, emphasized, “The center is deeply committed to fostering a fair distribution of opportunities and responsibilities across genders. Gender inequality in science not only impacts women but also significantly limits the contributions that the intellectual and talented individuals in society can make towards the advancement of Chile.”
The primary responsibilities of the Gender and Reconciliation Committee include the execution of a Gender Action Plan, advising the Academic Council on innovative strategies and measures to improve the representation and standing of female researchers within INCAR, and systematically tracking the progress of the goals set forth in the Gender Action Plan. This Committee is led by Dr. Jeanne Simon, Associate Researcher at the Center and faculty member at the Universidad de Concepción, and consists of 14 members representing diverse research areas and all categories of personnel at INCAR, including researchers, postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, professionals, and graduate students.
One of the first initiatives carried out by the GTT on 2025 was the implementation of an online survey to all members of the center. This survey focused on identifying the opportunities, gaps, and challenges that INCAR faces regarding inclusion, gender equity, and the reconciliation of work and family life. The purpose of this survey was to create a preliminary assessment that would aid in the formulation of the First Action Plan on these critical issues. The diagnostic results indicated that the three primary obstacles encountered by women in their scientific careers are influenced by the national context, making it difficult to tackle them solely from the center’s perspective. These obstacles include familial obligations, insufficient flexibility in academic programs to balance personal and professional responsibilities, and societal expectations that prioritize family life over professional aspiration
Furthermore, over half of the respondents believe that the scarcity of female role models in the scientific field is linked to the research sector. However, when asked about the significance of having a mentor during a woman’s scientific career, 71.64% indicated that it is essential and/or beneficial. Ultimately, the survey indicates that initiatives aimed at enhancing work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and remote work (39.66%); the establishment of targeted job opportunities for women in science, including internships, scholarships, and grants to facilitate their professional advancement (32.76%); and the promotion of mentorship programs, advisory services, and support networks connecting female scientists with mentors (15.52%), are the most highly regarded strategies for improving women’s productivity and participation in science.
In the remaining months of the year, following the dissemination and discussion of the survey results, the Gender Task Team, in collaboration with the Center, will implement a range of
initiatives. These will include mentorship programs and motivational talks aimed at researchers at INCAR, efforts to enhance the participation of women in fairs, conferences, and seminars, as well as informational sessions and support for project applications.
