The Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Symposium

Supporting Family Caregivers in STEMM National Symposium

November 20, 2025

11:00 AM - 4:30 PM (EST)

Past

About

Caregiving is a universal experience, whether providing care for children or aging relatives or receiving care when ailing, everyone at some point will be touched by caregiving. And yet, caregiving is stigmatized and under-supported in the US. Join us on November 20th for a symposium examining best practices and innovative solutions to improve support for family caregivers in academic STEMM. Building on the 2024 National Academies report on Supporting Family Caregivers in STEMM, presenters will share actionable steps they and others have taken for family caregivers and answer audience questions. This workshop is supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and in partnership with sites from the Doris Duke Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists.

Organizing Project

Supporting Family Caregivers in STEMM National Symposium

Contact

Katie Wullert

kwullert@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Summit

Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education: 2025 Public Summit

October 28 - 29, 2025

Past

About

Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment 2025 Public Summit
October 28-29, 2025

Held In-Person at the Beckman Center and Virtually Online

Description:

The Public Summit of the National Academies’ Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education is a free, open forum for collaboratively learning about new research and discussing innovative and promising approaches for addressing and preventing sexual harassment for all people at colleges, universities, and research organizations.

This two-day hybrid event builds on the research findings and recommendations in the 2018 National Academies report on sexual harassment and on discussions at past Summits. It brings together a broad group focused on finding solutions to prevent the harm caused by sexual harassment, including individuals in various roles within higher education, such as Title IX officers, practitioners focused on sexual harassment prevention and support services, sexual harassment researchers, department chairs and deans, students, administrative staff, and higher education leadership, as well as individuals from grassroots and nonprofit organizations focused on sexual harassment, public and private foundations, and federal and state government. This annual event features panel discussions, presentations, and a poster session through which presenters share research, strategies, and practices currently being explored or implemented.

View Recorded Videos:

Opening Remarks

Anna Branch, Chair of the Action Collaborative’s Leadership Committee(presentation)

Navigating the Current Legal Landscape for Addressing and Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

Speakers:

Leslie M. Gomez, Vice Chair for Institutional Response Group, Cozen O’Connor
Cari Simon, Managing Legal Counsel, Fierberg National Law Group
Art Coleman, Founding Partner, EducationCounsel LLC

Moderator: Anna Branch, Chair of the Action Collaborative’s Leadership Committee

Addressing and Preventing Digital Harassment in Higher Education

Speakers:

Asia A. Eaton, Professor of Psychology, Florida International University, and Head of Research, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (presentation)
Jaigris Hodson, Canada Research Chair, Digital Misinformation, Polarization & Anti-Social Media, Royal Roads University (presentation)
Natalie Dolci, Assistant Director, SafeCampus Office, University of Washington (presentation)

Moderator: Jennifer M. Gómez, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Clinical Practice Department, Boston University

Challenges & tools needed by chairs & PIs in preventing & responding to sexual harassment

Speakers:

Steven Haider, Professor of Economics, Michigan State University
Karen Stubaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs Emerita, Rutgers University

Kathryn Clancy, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Moderator: Elizabeth Hutchison, Regents' Professor in Arts and Sciences, University of New Mexico

Exploring Recent Efforts Aimed at Assisting Academic Leaders with Responding, Addressing and Preventing Sexual Harassment

Speakers:

Elissa L. Perry, Professor of Psychology and Education, Columbia University (presentation)
Diana Martinez, Executive Director of the Learning Environment Office, University of New Mexico (presentation)
Lydia Weiss, Assistant Director - Climate & Response, Michigan State University (presentation)

Moderator: Mariam Lam, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer, University of California, Riverside

Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment

Speakers:

Andrea Pereyra, Vice Chair of the NPA Board of Directors, National Postdoctoral Association (presentation)
Kait Spear, Program Officer, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (presentation)
Marcia G. Riley, Director & Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for Students & Postdoctoral Appointees, University of California Berkeley (presentation)
Anna Bull, Director of Research, 1752 Group (presentation)

Moderator: Lauren Jones McKown, Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX, University of Kansas

Recognizing the Need to Prevent and Address a Wider Range of Abusive and Disrespectful Conduct

Speakers:

Leah P. Hollis, Associate Dean Access, Equity & Inclusion, and Professor, College of Education, The Pennsylvania State University (presentation currently not available)
Bruce Mandt, Associate Dean, Graduate School and Director of Postdoctoral Office and Career Development at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (presentation)
Karen A. Gould, Interim Dean and Professor, Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (presentation)

Moderator: Michelle M. Tellock, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Vanderbilt University

Campus Climate Action Plans: Transforming Data into Change

Speakers:

Sarah McMahon, Professor and Director, Center for Research on Ending Violence, Rutgers University (presentation)
Michael Allensworth, Director for Employee & Graduate Student Programs for Prevention, Outreach, and Education (presentation); and Carrie Moylan, Director and Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Michigan State University (presentation)
Julia Broussard, Chief Title IX Officer, Tulane University (presentation)

Moderator: Caysie Harvey, Associate University Title VI and Title IX Coordinator, Harvard University

Closing Remarks

Vicki Magley, Chair of the Action Collaborative’s Advisory Committee (presentation)

Organizing Project

Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

Contact

Staff Team for the Project

SHactioncollab@nas.edu

Location

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center

100 Academy Way

Irvine CA 92617, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webcast

Identifying Gaps in Sexual Harassment Remediation Efforts in Higher Education: Issue Paper - Release Event

July 23, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)

Past

About

The Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education is holding a virtual issue paper release event on Identifying Gaps in Sexual Harassment Remediation Efforts in Higher Education.

This paper reviews and synthesizes the existing research on harms that (1) survivors, (2) accused individuals, and (3) community members may experience before, during, and after sexual harassment is disclosed to the institution; describes more than 50 current institutional efforts to repair those harms; and identifies gaps in sexual harassment remediation efforts that can benefit from further resources and innovative practices.

This issue paper will help higher education administrators; practitioners; and faculty, staff, and student leaders reflect on the current resources, policies, and programs that their institution has in place to repair harms stemming from sexual harassment and identify areas needing further support. Issue Papers describe the status of and key elements shaping an issue, examine and summarize the research or evidence base, examine existing practices on a key issue, and/or provide technical assessments of strategies or priorities. They do not provide consensus findings, conclusions, or recommendations.

Presenters:

Terri Frasca, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Isabel Alvarado, University of California Office of the President
Phil Bühlmann, University of Minnesota
Liz Hutchison, University of New Mexico

Organizing Project

Identifying Gaps in Sexual Harassment Remediation Efforts: Issue Paper

Contact

Terri Frasca

TFrasca@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webcast

Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education - Release Event

May 14, 2025

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM (EDT)

Past

About

Postdoctoral scholars are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment for a variety of reasons, including their dual roles as trainees and employees, early career stage, reliance on mentors, and a lack of institutional policies tailored to their needs, amongst other factors.

The Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education held a virtual issue paper release event on Considerations for Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment. This issue paper reviewed existing research on factors contributing to the sexual harassment of postdoctoral scholars, describes the landscape of relevant policies, laws, and regulations that influence postdoctoral scholars’ vulnerability to sexual harassment, and analyzes examples of efforts to address the sexual harassment of postdoctoral scholars.
This issue paper serves as research-based resource for higher education administrators; practitioners; and faculty, staff, and student leaders. Issue Papers describe the status of and key elements shaping an issue, examine and summarize the research or evidence base, examine existing practices on a key issue, and/or provide technical assessments of strategies or priorities. They do not provide consensus findings, conclusions, or recommendations.

Moderator

Kait Spear, Program Officer, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Speakers:

Adrienne Allison, Deputy Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity, Duke University
Lauren Jones McKown, Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, University of Kansas
Shannon Lynn Burton, University Ombudsperson, Michigan State University; Co-Ombuds, American Educational Research Association; Adjunct Professor of Management, Aquinas College; Editor, Journal of the International Ombuds Association; Co-Editor, The Organizational Ombuds: Foundations, Fundamentals and the Future

Discussants:

Andrea Joseph, Assistant Professor in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University
Sofie R Kleppner, Associate Vice Provost & Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs, Stanford University

Organizing Project

Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

Contact

Kait Spear

KSpear@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Conference

Women and Girls in Science: Roundtable Discussion

February 11, 2025

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)

Past

About

In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM), in partnership with the Women in Science Diplomacy Association, invites you to an interactive session at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Building on February 11th, from 9:00–11:00 AM ET.

Location: Lecture Room, National Academy of Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418.
Note: All attendees must bring a valid photo ID to enter the building.

This engaging event will showcase key findings and recommendations from recent National Academies reports addressing challenges faced by women in science, engineering, and medicine. Participants will have the opportunity to join roundtable discussions with study directors behind reports such as:

Promising Practices for Addressing the Underrepresentation of Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine,
Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and
Supporting Family Caregivers in STEMM: A Call to Action.

Discussions will focus on the material in these reports that describes practical solutions for removing obstacles, improving workplace climates, and creating opportunities for women to thrive in STEM fields. The session will also highlight a global collaboration with the InterAcademy Partnership, a network of 150 academies, to address sexual harassment in academic settings worldwide.

Join us for this important session as we work toward fostering success for women in science, engineering, and medicine.

Contact

Ashley Bear

(202) 334-2486
abear@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webcast

L'Oreal For Women in Science Awardees Scientific Presentations

November 13, 2024

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)

Past

Discussion

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About

Join us online on November 13, 2024 for an inspiring event featuring the 2024 L'Oréal USA For Women in Science awardees. These outstanding women scientists, recognized for their groundbreaking contributions across various fields, will present their cutting-edge research and share the impact of their work on society. The L'Oréal USA For Women in Science program celebrates women in STEM who are making a significant difference, and this event will highlight their achievements and future directions in scientific innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most promising emerging voices in science and learn about advancements that span disciplines such as astronomy, neuroscience, environmental science, and marine biology. The event will include presentations followed by Q&A, providing attendees a chance to interact with the awardees and gain deeper insights into their research and personal journeys as women in science.