Current Landscape of Women in STEM

Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, as highlighted by the SHE Figures 2024 report from the Publications Office of the European Union. It cites that only 21.4% of doctoral graduates in STEM are female, and less than 33% of women occupy higher academic positions. In research-related roles across the EU, merely 34% are women, and just 26% lead decision-making in higher education.

At the entry level, only 31% of STEM graduates identify as female or non-binary, with disciplines like computer science and engineering particularly skewed, at 23% and 21%, respectively. Industry statistics are equally concerning, with women making up approximately 26% of the STEM workforce. This ongoing issue is metaphorically referred to as “the leaky pipeline,” yet the reality suggests deeper systemic problems.

Gathering Insights from Female Academics

In celebration of International Women’s Day, members of the Research and Engagement team spoke with four distinguished female academics to discuss their experiences and insights into the STEM landscape. The conversation included Dr. Ally Gormally-Sutton (Senior Lecturer in Human Geography), Professor Elizabete Carmo-Silva (Professor of Crop Physiology), Dr. Rosa Letizia (Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering), and Dr. Sophie Rawnsley-Lau (Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemistry).

Motivations for Pursuing STEM

Personal Inspirations

Dr. Sophie Rawnsley-Lau reflected on her childhood curiosity about how things functioned, saying, “I had a really great Chemistry teacher in high school who encouraged my interests.”

Professor Elizabete Carmo-Silva was initially unsure about plant biology but found her passion during her biology degree, remarking, “In my second year, it just ‘clicked’… it fascinates me.”

Dr. Ally Gormally-Sutton, who has transitioned between disciplines, originally pursued environmental sciences before an interdisciplinary PhD led her to human geography. Dr. Rosa Letizia, captivated by engineering’s practical applications, mentioned, “I could put science into practice and see tangible results.”

The Role of Mentorship

Mentorship has proven crucial for these women in their academic journeys. Professor Carmo-Silva credited two female professors as instrumental in her pursuit of a PhD, while Dr. Letizia also emphasized how her dissertation supervisor opened doors for her academically.

Dr. Gormally-Sutton acknowledged that while she had supportive male mentors, she observed a lack of female representation in her early career, noting the importance of allies across gender lines.

Challenges Faced and Overcoming Adversity

Each academic shared challenges encountered as women in STEM. Dr. Gormally-Sutton described experiences of being misunderstood or overshadowed, indicating a need for systemic change to foster a supportive environment. Dr. Rawnsley-Lau mentioned developing resilience in face of condescension, stating, “You do have to develop quite a thick skin.”

Professor Carmo-Silva recalled balancing the pressure of not being a native English speaker and the need to prove herself in a predominantly male field. She clarified, “I wanted to be a ‘female’ leader, not a leader with typically ‘male’ traits.”

Recommendations for Aspiring Female Academics

When asked for advice to young women pursuing careers in STEM, Dr. Letizia encouraged seeking mentors and supportive figures. Dr. Rawnsley-Lau urged confidence in one’s own skills, while Dr. Gormally-Sutton acknowledged the inevitability of failure in academic pursuits, saying, “You just have to learn from it and not give up.” Lastly, Professor Carmo-Silva encouraged women to believe in themselves and surround themselves with supporters.