Robert Parker responds to Guardian article on women in science

An article in today's Guardian newspaper says that MPs are calling for national initiatives to tackle the under-representation of women in science. 

The article mentions that just 5% of RSC Fellows are female.

RSC chief executive, Dr Robert Parker said in response: "The RSC has acknowledged that there are too few women Fellows in its ranks. We are determined to improve the situation and are working to double the numbers of women Fellows within the coming five years. 

"Our president, Professor Lesley Yellowlees, feels strongly, like many of us, about this issue and has gone on record with her view that there are not enough women in the top tier of British science generally. She said publicly last year that measures need to be put into place nationally to make it more attractive and realistic for women to stay on in science.

"We would point out that 44% of younger RSC members are females and we are committed to supporting these members to achieve their potential."