Dr. Meytal Eran-Jona has been appointed to a new position: Advisor on Gender and Diversity
The creation of this new position reflects today’s broad, inclusive approaches that are being adopted in leading research institutes around the world, as well as the recognition that human diversity is central to creating excellent organizations and scientific research. “My goal,” says Eran-Jona, “is to develop ways to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment -- one that advances equality for people of all cultures, genders, ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds or any other identity – and to ensure that all enjoy equal opportunity.”
Dr. Eran Jona is a sociologist and gender expert. Her research has ranged from diversity within organizations, to gender and family in armed forces, to advancing women in academia and developing methodologies for public opinion research. She established and headed a center for social research within the Israeli Defense Intelligence, and, for the past three years, she has been working with Prof. Yossi Nir on a study focused on promoting gender equality in physics within academe.
In October, 2019, Dr. Eran-Jona was elected Chair of the “GENERA” network, an organization supported by the Horizon 2020 Program of the European Union. Founded in 2016, GENERA aims to advance gender equality in physics in the leading European research institutes and universities. It functions under the aegis of the EU project “ActonGender”, which includes members from over 30 organizations, including the Max Planck Institutes and CERN, the European Physics Laboratories.
“This network,” says Eran- Jona, “enhances international collaboration to support gender equality plans in physics, a field that is currently characterized by the under-representation of women scientists.”
Eran- Jona’s election – as an Israeli sociologist – to the chair of an organization for European physicists is a testament to her contribution to GENERA project so far, as well as to their faith in her ability to successfully initiate, lead and carry out a long-term, all-European project.