The society of Women in Network Science (WiNS) connects women, trans and non-binary genders network scientists from different races, socioeconomic backgrounds and nations. The society aims to recognize the work, perspectives and expertise of its members to create bridges between academia, government, and private industry related to network science. By leveraging its members' professional and social networking and creating safe spaces for conversation, WiNS intends to increase representation and recognition, create mentorship programs and collaborations between junior and senior researchers, and develop a network for well-being resources (e.g. mental health and funding). Our specific goals are threefold:

1. Increase the presence and visibility of women, trans and non-binary genders as participants, speakers, and organizers of scholarly gatherings within network science, social networks, and complex systems.
2. Promote collaborative learning and networking with role models from underrepresented backgrounds towards advancing careers of junior researchers in network science.
3. Encourage the discussion and research about underrepresented communities in our societies under the network science and complex system approach.

A series of projects will be developed that aim to increase awareness and appreciation of the achievements of women in network science. Our programs will help women build their technical confidence and their voice, and our efforts will help ensure that women in network science and their achievements are known in the community.‍

Develop a website

to reflect our community’s interests and resources.‍

Support regular WiNS meetings

either as informal gatherings or more formal workshops.

Develop a searchable database of women scholars of network science

to help academics and journalists identify and connect with women experts conducting network science related research. This list will serve as a foundation for building a rich community of female scholars to be accessed when planning conferences, panels, and speaker series; when citing research; when inviting essays and op-eds; when finding collaborators; and for resources of experience, professional development and further growing the network of connections for women.

Profiles on women scholars in network science. 

We will post regular profiles on the accomplishments of women working in network science.

Compile data on the representation of women across rank and role in network science.  

To effectively create equitable representation in Network Science, we must identify the magnitude of underrepresentation in various ranks and roles in the field. We will work with universities, corporations, conference organizing committees, funding agencies, and publishers to identify gender equity and inequity and compile data that can be used as evidence when we advocate for change.