An Innovative Appraisal of a CV

Abstract

In research and in academia, appointments and promotions are mainly determined by the quantity and quality of the research activity, as rendered in the CV. Our proposal is to use a different standard for the CV, one that would allow applicants to spend up to five years on activities other than the pursuit of a scientific career, without this diminishing their fair chances of career advancement. This article explains why this is good for everybody, and what one can do for society and humankind during these years, which are not included in the CV, years of absolute freedom. In particular, raising a family — and it is usually women who do it — takes time. This time cannot be used for doing research. Therefore, women do not play on a level field. With this CV as mandatory, nobody, women raising a family included, will see his/her chances to land a top job in research diminish due to caring or societal responsibilities and activities.

Keywords:

• Women in academia
• Academic appointments
• Women and research
• Career pathways
• Women in science

I would not have written this article without the invitation of Elizabeth Pollitzer and her persuading words; I thank her very sincerely. Christel Baltes-Löhr ’s comments improved the article substantially; I thank her for her input.