Please find a list below of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We hope it’s helpful, however If we haven’t answered yours, please get in touch.
How do you say SWMS?
We pronounce it “swims!”
What is marine science?
Marine scientists study the ocean, estuaries, and associated environments. There are many topics within marine science, but they are commonly divided in the fields of biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Multidisciplinary research, like the interaction between chemistry and biology, is also very important in order to understand the ocean as a whole. Some marine scientists go out in the field to gather data; others use satellite data or run computer models to simulate the processes they are interested in.
Why do we need a society for women in marine science?
Oceanography started out as a predominantly male field of science. Nowadays many women are interested in marine science, but they may face many barriers on the path to a successful career. SWMS aims to be a source of support for women in marine science, across all types of careers and institutions/companies.
Are you a non-profit?
Yes! SWMS received 501(c) status in 2020, and is registered as a charity in Massachusetts. This means that we now have voting board members alongside our steering committee, as well as other legal obligations to report as a charity. We are still entirely volunteer operated and work with a very small budget. If you have frequently asked questions about this specifically, please reach out.
What makes SWMS different from other women’s groups?
We want to work in tandem with other organizations and groups, not in competition – we are glad that there are a lot of groups focused on supporting women in STEM! What makes SWMS different from a general “women in science” group is that we can address issues that come up specifically in marine science, like field work. We are different from other organizations because we have an emphasis on students at all levels finding support to pursue any career that interests them, which allows people to branch out from academic tracks.
What does SWMS do?
SWMS aims to promote women in all the marine sciences. Resources and opportunities are posted on our website and social media pages. We organize 1 – 2 symposiums each year where women can network with peers in their field and discuss important topics that are often left out at other conferences. We also have chapters that hold local events.
Who can be a member of the Society for Women in Marine Science?
Anyone involved in marine science, at any career stage, can be a member of the society. This includes people of all genders! SWMS was started with the aim of advancing women, but we recognize that non-binary and trans* marine scientists also face many barriers. We hope that all marine scientists feel welcome in SWMS.
To become a member (it’s free!), please fill out our membership form.
I’m a man. Can I still be involved with SWMS?
Yes. In fact, we’d very much like you to get involved. We’d like to make male scientists more aware of the issues that women in marine science face. Only the marine sciences community as a whole can support the advancement of female scientists in the field. Anyone can sign up to be a member and can register for our events.
Will you advertise my event/job/organization? Do you have members who will talk to me about my article or project?
Reach out to us at swms.general.contact@gmail.com!
What are your policies on affiliate links and ads?
We may use affiliate links to generate a small amount of funding, which we will use to fund SWMS activities.
Updated Fall 2021
If you have additional Frequently Asked Questions, please get in touch.