Women’s Empowerment a Focus at U.S.-China Young Scientist Forum

Twenty female scientists from China and the United States discuss challenges and opportunities for women in science at the fifth U.S.-China Young Scientist Forum in Washington.

Female scientists from 10 Chinese research and policy institutions met with 10 American women scientists in Washington for the fifth U.S.-China Young Scientist Forum (YSF) March 26.

The YSF arose from the science and technology working group of the U.S.-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE). The CPE aims to enhance people-to-people exchanges in education, culture, sports, women’s issues, and science and technology between Chinese and U.S. citizens.

The fifth YSF was co-led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Science, Space and Health Jonathan Margolis and Chinese Counselor for Science and Technology Jianping Mei. The participants discussed challenges and opportunities for women in science, such as building international networks and research collaborations, managing work/life balance and scientific mentoring.

Collaboration in science and technology is an important and dynamic area of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship that dates back to the 1979 U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, one of the first pacts between the United States and China.

The CPE science and technology working group aims to helps young scientists in both countries develop skills for successful international collaboration so they can engage internationally to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

After visiting Washington, the 10 Chinese participants met with other counterparts in Oregon and in the San Francisco Bay area through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.