Harvard University said on Monday it had earmarked $50m to help recruit women faculty members to the school's science department, signalling a dramatic shift in policy at the oldest institute of higher education in the US. According to the plans, Harvard will appoint a senior administrative person a vice-provost to facilitate the hiring of women.

The university, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, also promises to create a more family-friendly atmosphere, with paid maternity leave and guarantees that women will not be punished for taking time off to raise children with loss of status and tenure upon return.