STAR TECH

In the article “Star Tech,” Dr. Jackie Barton states that “the best thing that I can do for women in science is just do good science.” I believe that this point of view is valid only if science operates as a strict meritocracy and rewards are distributed according to one’s level of achievement. In this perfect system, gender bias would not exist, and scientists who did not rise to the top would not be as deserving as those who did.

I do not believe that this scenario reflects the reality of many women’s experiences in pursuing a career in science. Over the past year, the national press has documented many examples of discrimination faced by women scientists, from overt sexual harassment to the almost universal struggle to be taken as seriously as male colleagues and admitted to male-dominated circles of collaboration and peer review.

Until a true meritocracy is achieved in science, successful female scientists have, in my view, a greater responsibility than to serve merely as passive examples to other women of what women can achieve. Successful women scientists are in the best position to influence the scientific infrastructure, making it more supportive of women.

JOAN GOVERMAN

DIVISION OF BIOLOGY

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY