Cranky Confessions: Coronavirus edition - I'm glad people are talking about how this pandemic is exacerbating inequalities in academia for women with kids. I'd be much happier if editors, funders, reviewers & journalists also did something about it. 1/8 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01135-9

The issues this is causing are old & not unique to this situation, but maybe it's so obvious now, with some editors noting a lack of submissions from women in the last month, that people will finally realise how deep the biases and inequalities run. Here are some suggestions: 2/8

Funding bodies: The grants you get from people with kids during this period, if we can manage to submit them, will be worse than those from people without kids. We write them after long days of childcare. Let people note that in their applications and TAKE IT INTO ACCOUNT! 3/8

Editors: We all know reviewers are harsher to women. If you get nasty, patronizing reviews, REPRIMAND THE REVIEWER. Do not send it to the authors unedited. Consider that the reviewer is an ass in making decisions. Compare the reviews to those you receive for male-led papers. 4/8

Reviewers: We are all cranky & frustrated. Women with kids are also exhausted & feeling more insecure. Harsh words sound harsher now. Don't make personal attacks. Don't be patronizing or nasty. BE CONSTRUCTIVE. Consider whether you would write the same words to a senior male. 5/8

Journalists: News stories are dominated by male scientists. Most of the coverage of female PIs is about us being female, not our science. How many recent projects that you've covered are from female-led labs? Help us get out of the shadows, which are even darker these days. 6/8

I focus on editors, reviewers, funders & press because those are crucial gate keepers to academic recognition & success & there's plenty of evidence for systemic bias in those areas. This will get even worse now unless those people make real effort to level the playing field. 7/8

Finally, colleagues: I have very supportive colleagues that have helped me feel less isolated and overwhelmed during this period. Support your colleagues w/ kids by helping where possible & being patient. Extend deadlines. Be flexible. It is hugely appreciated. End rant 8/8