Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates has launched KU-MIRA (Mentoring & Impact in Research & Academia), an initiative to support women’s leadership in science, health and engineering. Its founding director is Dr Maryam Khaleel Alhashmi, Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.
The figures show why it matters: at the university, women make up 59% of undergraduates and 44% of PhD students, but only 34% of researchers and 19% of faculty. The programme rests on three pillars: producing science, amplifying women scientists’ visibility and sustaining them through mentoring and networks.
Early actions include a directory of women researchers and a platform called Women Shaping Science to showcase their work. The rollout will be phased and tracked with indicators on participation, academic progression and impact.
