Silvia is correct ; science is a male system, created by males, for males. It won't change easily, and it has changed very little in the 25 years of my career, despite efforts to increase the participation of women in science. Women who choose to have a family (and men who invest equally) are usually perpetually 'behind' in this system. Some days this bothers me, but less and less with time. However, as Wayne wisely points out, there are innumerable approaches to finding some balance and enjoying a productive scientific career despite this situation. It is a great career; we are among the fortunate to spend working time on our own ideas, with stimulating colleagues, in teams and networks, with grad students who continually astound and surprise, in diverse natural environments around the world. What could I have done that could be better than this - it is difficult for me to imagine; it is an amazing way to spend one's life. We don't have to be Nobel prize winners or senior chair holders, or anyone else's idea of what it is to be a great scientist. We just have to enjoy what we are doing, and pass this passion on to both our students, and our kids. And we need to inspire the next generation to do better at changing the structure (and not just science!) than we have done. It's great to hear from the younger women here who are intent on doing just this; I wish you the best,
Alison Munson Université Laval
