GenSUN 2.0

Gendering science and engineering professionals and their role as motors in the green transition of mining and forestry

The green transition requires professionals joining force in innovative organizations that promote ground-breaking ideas and behaviour. Science and engineering professionals constitute a particular necessary motor for the transformation of mining and forestry. Implementing change has been found more difficult in workplaces and industries built on gender segregation. By tradition, forestry and mining have a strong association to men and masculinities, but women professionals are increasing in both industries. More women are important, but prevailing structures and cultures risks preventing the industries to truly gain from their competences. Drawing on interviews with geologist/geo-engineers and foresters, this project contributes to the green transition by developing new gender theory with the capacity to challenge existing segregation in the industries. A multidisciplinary research team will enable the development of gender theories in relation to nuanced insights on the changing skills requirements and production processes relating to scientific and engineering personnel in mining and forestry.