Empowering Women in STEM
Historically, STEM disciplines have been largely male-dominated, making the accomplishments of women particularly challenging to secure and often unnoticed. According to the SHE Figures 2024 report published by the Publications Office of the European Union, only 21.4% of Doctoral graduates in STEM fields are female, with fewer than 33% of women occupying senior academic positions. Within research roles throughout the EU, women represent just 34% of the workforce, and only 26% serve as heads of decision-making in higher education.
The statistics are equally disheartening at the early career stage. An analysis from HESA and UK Government data performed by STEM Women indicates that merely 31% of STEM graduates identify as female or non-binary. While some disciplines like physical and life sciences show a more balanced gender representation, fields such as computer science and engineering reflect stark discrepancies, with only 23% and 21% of graduates identifying as anything other than male, respectively. Furthermore, in the industry, approximately 26% of STEM professionals are women. This troubling trend, referred to as “the leaky pipeline,” seems less like a leak and more akin to a significant blockage at the top of the pipeline.
To highlight and honor the contributions of female scholars during the upcoming International Women’s Day, we, the Research and Engagement team, initiated conversations with some of our inspiring female academics. Our goal was to discover their motivations for pursuing a career in the sciences, the hurdles they faced, and their words of wisdom for other women currently in or considering entering STEM academia—with the hope of making strides towards improving gender balance in these fields.
Conversations with Inspiring Women
This week, we arranged a Teams call featuring Dr. Ally Gormally-Sutton, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography and Athena Swan lead in LEC; Professor Elizabete Carmo-Silva, Professor of Crop Physiology and Deputy Director of the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project; Dr. Rosa Letizia, Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering and Athena Swan lead for her department; and Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Sophie Rawnsley-Lau from Chemistry. We gathered insights about their experiences as women in academia.
What Inspired You to Pursue Sciences?
Sophie: “From a young age, I was drawn to understanding how things worked. Instead of immersing myself in fantasy books, I gravitated towards topics like dinosaurs and the mechanics of phones. A standout experience was having a fantastic Chemistry teacher in high school who started a higher-tier science group after school, which was incredibly motivating. Additionally, my mother has always encouraged me.”
Elizabete: “I relate to Sophie’s story. I’ve always wanted to understand the workings behind processes. In my teenage years, mathematics fascinated me, but I wasn’t fond of plant biology—likely because of its complexity. Remarkably, during my second year of biology studies, things changed; I was captivated by their extraordinary ability to thrive through intricate metabolic regulations. The fascination endures even after 25 years!”
Ally: “I have a diverse academic background! As a teenager, the environment and climate change piqued my interest, leading me initially to environmental sciences. The chance to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD that integrated social sciences deepened my connection to human geography.”
Rosa: “Science subjects were always my top preference in school—math, chemistry, biology, physics, etc. When it came to university choices, I gravitated towards Engineering, as I felt it would allow me to apply scientific knowledge practically and contribute to tangible developments. Attending university in the early 2000s during a telecommunications boom excided me with the prospect of making an impact.”
Mentorship and Support Along the Way
Elizabete: “I was fortunate during my undergraduate years at the University of Lisbon. Unaware of the PhD process, two female professors recognized my passion for photosynthesis, encouraging me by suggesting I apply for a paid PhD in Rubisco. They believed in my potential and assisted me with the application, which ultimately opened doors for me to study in the UK—a dream realization!”
Rosa: “I too had a pivotal experience. During my final year, my dissertation supervisor, a female professor, suggested I pursue a PhD with a colleague of hers. That recommendation was life-changing. The right mentor can illuminate paths you never knew existed.”
Ally: “Support comes in many forms. Though all of my supervisors were male, I also had male colleagues who were allies. My undergraduate supervisor encouraged me to pursue further studies, giving me the confidence needed to consider a Master’s and PhD. Starting from a lack of female professors made it easy to think advancement wasn’t achievable, but thankfully, the landscape has improved.”
Challenges Faced as Women in STEM
Ally: “The experience was different, say, ten years ago. We all have anecdotes of being mansplained or being the lone woman in meetings. We owe it to the next generation to pave a better path for women and minorities in STEM.”
Sophie: “As I navigate the beginning of my academic journey, overall, my experience has been positive, though I’ve encountered moments of condescension where individuals assumed their superiority. At times, it wasn’t explicitly gender-related, but a challenge nonetheless.”
Elizabete: “As a non-native English speaker, I felt an obligation to prove my worth much more so than many male colleagues. I underwent tremendous pressure to showcase my place in academia. Fortunately, professional development courses taught me the importance of being a ‘female leader,’ embracing my identity rather than conforming to male norms in a traditionally male-dominated field.”
The Promotions Process and Institutional Support
Elizabete: “Since becoming a professor, I’ve attained more freedom to remain true to my authentic self. While the ascent involved conforming to masculine traits for progression, once you reach a level of influence, the confidence to embrace your identity flourishes.”
Ally: “Experiences vary by department at Lancaster. In LEC, the Athena Swan action plan effectively supports the growth of female professors and encourages women to seek promotions. It aligns well with our core departmental values.”
Experiences in Male-Dominated Departments
Rosa: “As long as there are good mentors, male or female, it usually goes well. Yet, as a young female academic, it was intimidating to give lectures in front of predominantly male students. It’s a hurdle developing confidence that seems to come more naturally for my male colleagues.”
Sophie: “I echo Rosa’s sentiment regarding mentorship importance. My principal investigator has always been supportive and treats me equally, as do the female mentors in our department. Despite the low percentage of women, I do feel encouraged here.”
Addressing Stereotypes and Gender Bias
Elizabete: “Sometimes, people underestimate my role based on my casual attire, assuming I’m a junior researcher until they learn I’m a professor.”
Ally: “Students often mistakenly refer to me as ‘Miss’ rather than ‘Doctor.’ When I asked a male colleague about this, he mentioned he received the title ‘Professor,’ illustrating a systemic bias where my achievements are downplayed while his are elevated.”
Advice for Aspiring Female Academics
Rosa: “Seek out mentors for guidance and support, even beyond traditional roles.”
Sophie: “Value your skills and remember that it’s okay not to know everything at the onset. Learning is an ongoing process.”
Ally: “Anticipate setbacks—they’re part of the journey. Learn from failures rather than allowing them to deter you.”
Elizabete: “Cultivate belief in yourself and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you.”
We aim to continue exploring the roles of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM through future blogs. If you’re interested in contributing or have ideas about themes like “STEM-ing the Leaky Pipeline,” please connect with us at fst-research-and-engagement@lancaster.ac.uk.
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Disclaimer
The views expressed in our blogs are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Lancaster University. The responsibility for the accuracy of information in blog posts lies with the individual blogger.
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