In the unsettled wake of the recent global financial crisis, one pressing question is: How can we safeguard against a recurrence? For some people, part of the answer may lie in considering the biological and evolutionary roots of risk-taking behavior, particularly as they relate to gender.  In recent years, several researchers have begun to explore the relationship between hormone levels and investment risk-taking. Others are looking for correlations between corporate performance and the number of women in senior management positions.

On March 4, Women & Science will present four leaders of the business and scientific communities, who will discuss recent findings about gender and risk-taking behavior. They will also consider how these findings may inform discussions about gender balance and best business practices.

Halla Tómasdóttir is executive chairman and co-founder of Audur Capital, an Icelandic financial services company that seeks profitable and productive alternatives to the “win/lose scenarios, short-term gains, and high-risk behaviors” that have traditionally dominated the financial sector. Ms. Tómasdóttir is noted for her efforts to foster greater participation by women in leadership positions. 

Darcy Kelley neurobiologist at Columbia University and a distinguished alumna of The Rockefeller University, investigates the biological origins of sex differences, most notably the actions of the androgen and estrogen sex hormones. Her studies of behavior in an African frog—specifically male and female displays of dominance, territoriality, or courtship—reflect her interest in understanding sex differences in the brain, and how males and females might approach problems differently.

Bruce McEwen has elucidated the roles of stress and sex hormones, such as cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, in the early development of the brain and its lifelong functioning. His discoveries about hormones and the brain serve as the foundation for emerging studies that explore the relationship between hormone levels and financial risk preferences. Dr. McEwen also investigates sex-based differences in susceptibility to chronic stress, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders.

The discussion will be moderated by Robin Chemers Neustein, senior director at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and a trustee of The Rockefeller University.   

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Location: Caspary Auditorium
The Rockefeller University
66th and York Avenue

Time: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.  Registration and Breakfast Buffet
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  Program

Admission is free. To RSVP for the W&S Spring Breakfast  call (212) 327-8696.

For more information on Women & Science, please visit our website www.rockefeller.edu 

Our thanks to the CBSAC/NY Public Affairs Committee for coordinating this event.