It is amazing how fast the representation gap in science arises. You can observe the first noticeable gap at Bachelor level and the representation gap widens throughout the scientific career. This trend is observed even in the more advanced counties (e.g., France, UK, Spain, Germany, US, Japan, China) that demonstrate a high level of schooling and a fair integration of women in society in general. Please look at the figures (Boston Consulting Group Survey in 2015) below regarding the gender balance in sciences:
• High School: 51% males and 49% females
• BSc degree: 68% males and 32% females
• MSc degree: 70% males and 30% females
• PhD: 75% males and 25% females
• Researchers: 71% males and 29% females
• Top Academic achievement: 89% males and 11% females
• Nobel Prize winners: 97% males and 3% females
The gap is observed across scientific disciplines:
• Healthcare Studies (1st Year BSc): 40% men / 60% female
• General Science studies (1st Year BSc): 70% men / 30% female
• Engineering studies (1st Year BSc): 80% men / 20% female
Moreover, women only hold a small share of board positions in main scientific institutions: 34% in Spain, 29% in France, 28% in UK, 27% in USA and 20% in Germany. Finally, only five out of the 132 Nobel prizes were awarded to women scientists in the period 1998-2013.
Despite the aforementioned reality, research shows that a more even gender balance leads to greater scientific success and a better working environment, for both men and women.
In this webinar and in order raise awareness of gender equality in sciences, we will have a panel discussion with female distinguished scientists from Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain, Greece and Israel about what can be done to address the gender representation gap. The main topics that will be discussed are the following:
1. Challenges for a female scientist from the BSc level up to an Academic Position
2. Proposals for the Academic Institutions to facilitate the career of a female scientist
3. Suggestions to the Governments to facilitate the career of a female scientist
4. Advice to young female student interested in following an Academic career
5. Advice to young male students and junior academics to behave fairly to female students and colleagues
At the end of the webinar, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) staff will present the Gender Balance Unit they run in their Institution.
We are looking forward to having you with us on the 8th of March 2021
