Sex bias in science risks legal challenge

(Photograph) - * Universities that discriminate against women may be denied European research funds, according to the vice-chairman of the European Parliament's research committee. Nuala Ahern (pictured), an Irish Green MEP, said in Brussels on Tuesday that new data showing the poor position of women throughout European research was so stark that the institutions and funders risk accusations that they are acting illegally.

She was speaking at the launch of a comprehensive European Commission study on the status of women in science. Women get more than half the first degrees in some science subjects but account for only 10 per cent of the professors.