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Managing work/life balance

An ultrarunner and the head of research at a fathers network discuss how to balance work and life as parents.

IWD Speakers
Speakers at Roslin’s International Women’s Day event 2020.

On 3 March, the Roslin Career Development Committee held a session on managing work/life balance which was organised in connection to International Women’s Day.

The session took place between 12.30 and 14.00 in the Roslin Auditorium, and featured talks from Clinical Lecturer Jasmin Paris, Head of Research at Fathers Network Scotland Sam Pringle, and a couple who share a postdoc position at the Roslin Institute.

Topics discussed involved life as a parent, working in research and gender equality.

Jasmin is a hugely successful ultrarunner, who won the very challenging Montane Spine Race – 268 miles non-stop along the Pennine Way – and broke the men’s record, in January 2019, while still breastfeeding her daughter. Jasmin discussed her research, life as a mum and her recent race win.

Realising that fathers were missing from the discussions and legislation around taking leave, Sam began working with Government and researchers to influence policy and behaviours. Her work explores why shared childcare between both parents is fundamental to gender equality. Having joined Fathers Network Scotland as Chair of the Board in 2012, she was one of the first maternity coaches in Scotland. 

Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley, Head for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Edinburgh, opened the session by discussing the support provided at the University of Edinburgh and her role therein.

The event was followed by an informal Q&A session with Sam and Jasmin.

Related links

The Guardian: Ultrarunner Jasmin Paris on her gruelling 83-hour win

Equality & Diversity at the Roslin Institute

The Roslin Institute receives Athena SWAN Gold award