The under-representation of women in science has been explored in-depth and there are numerous organisations and initiatives striving to improve gender diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) study and careers. However, despite this attention, currently only 13 per cent of all STEM jobs in the UK are occupied by women. The loss of women at later stages of a career pathway is often referred to as ‘the leaky pipeline’. It has been estimated that ‘it will take 50 or 80 years before we get gender equality if we just keep doing the same thing, hoping that the pipeline w
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The under-representation of women in science has been explored in-depth and there are numerous organisations and initiatives striving to improve gender diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) study and careers. However, despite this attention, currently only 13 per cent of all STEM jobs in the UK are occupied by women. The loss of women at later stages of a career pathway is often referred to as ‘the leaky pipeline’. It has been estimated that ‘it will take 50 or 80 years before we get gender equality if we just keep doing the same thing, hoping that the pipeline will produce more women’ scientists.
The Science and Technology Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Government Office for Science and associated public bodies. With the intention of complementing the work of the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee published in its 2013 report ‘Women in the workplace’, this inquiry on women in STEM careers, focusing on the retention of women in academic STEM careers, was launched on 25 June 2013. The inquiry sought written submissions on the following questions: Why do numbers of women in STEM academic careers decline further up the career ladder? When women leave academia, what careers do they transition into? What are the consequences of scientifically trained women applying their skills in different employment sectors? What should universities and the higher education sector do to retain women graduates and [doctorate of philosophy] PhD students in academic careers? Are there examples of good practice? What role should the government have in encouraging the retention of women in academic STEM careers?
The inquiry received over 90 written submissions and took oral evidence from 13 witnesses including academic researchers, diversity and equality groups, universities, research and funding councils and the government. This report concentrates on STEM careers but also highlights the need for a holistic approach to tackle gender diversity, which includes STEM education. The report outlines why gender diversity in science matters, explores how gender perceptions affect the retention of women in STEM careers, and covers the practicalities of an academic research career. Recommendations are made under the topics of: business case for retention of women in science; the role of government; women in academia; the nature and funding of research careers; and management of research careers by higher education institutions.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmsctech/701/70102.htm
