Innovative Trials are passionate about ensuring our diverse population is adequately represented within medical research. Whether it is wanting to see more people from underrepresented communities choosing science as a career and pushing for greater patient diversity in clinical trials or focusing on what we are doing internally to celebrate and promote equality and diversity. This month we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. So far the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee at Innovative Trials has written blogs to raise awareness surrounding several illnesses, their effects, and treatments such as World Lupus Day, Malaria, Pride Month, Sickle Cell, Endometriosis , Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month , and Parent Mental Health Day

Across schools and universities, scientific education is commonly male dominated. A 2023 study revealed that only 27% of science and technology degrees are achieved by women. 

  • Astronomy (33%)
  • Engineering (15%)
  • Chemistry (44%)
  • Computer science (19%)
  • Mathematics (38%)
  • Physics (21%)

This has resulted in men greatly outweighing women in these workforces, particularly in better paid careers:

  • Artificial intelligence (22%)
  • Engineers (17%)
  • Computer science (25%)
  • Consultant surgeons (15%)

Innovative Trials are dedicated to supporting women with careers in scientific disciplines. Working alongside our Chief Executive Officer, Kate Shaw, are our female leaders of the operations, people, and commercial teams. Likewise, around 80% of the Innovative Trials workforce are women. 

Why is it important that women and girls have a presence in scientific industries?

  • We are currently facing many environmental and health challenges across the globe that demand complex and innovative solutions.
  • Groups that are not diverse in gender, as well as age and culture, risk having a narrower mindset on subjects in their field of research. 
  • We need women in scientific professions to bring about new perspectives, and generate the wealth of expertise and creativity required to address these challenges.

Why are women and girls less likely to pursue careers in science?

  • Girls who experience being a minority in science classes at school may be discouraged from choosing science degrees at university.
  • Fear of discrimination in the workplace. In terms of career growth opportunities, 40% of women have missed promotions that were given to less qualified male colleagues.
  • Underrepresentation of women in well-paid and high-achieving positions. 

What can be done to encourage women and girls to take up a career in science?

  • More role models for women and girls throughout their education and career. These could be women close to the individual, such as family and teachers, or women in the news and media.
  • Removing the barriers to recruit and retain women in scientific professions. Indiscriminate hiring, equal career prospects, and childcare support would help more women progress in science.

Useful resources for women and girls in science

Organisations 

The WISE campaign https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/ 

STEMettes https://stemettes.org/

ScienceGrrl https://sciencegrrl.co.uk/ 

CodeFirstGirls https://codefirstgirls.com/ 

BCSWomen https://www.bcs.org/ 

Blogs

STEM Women https://www.stemwomen.com/ 

STEMinists https://www.steminists.org/ 

 

References

 

 

 

 

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