Pressing for progress
Our new research programme into women’s progression and retention in academia in the chemical sciences kicks off with a survey of experiences. Take part, tell us your thoughts, and share for International Women’s Day.
Many studies, including our recent diversity landscape of the chemical sciences report, have identified the retention and progression of women in academia in the chemical sciences as an ongoing issue.
Not only is current retention of women within chemistry poor, but this has been the case for many years. At the current rate of change, we will never reach gender parity in higher education institutions. In the 2014/15 academic year, only 9% of chemistry professors were women. Our own membership data shows that the proportion of women in our membership falls with age.
There are a number of factors that may affect women’s access to opportunities but the evidence base is currently very limited.
We need to identify, understand and then eliminate the barriers to women's progression and retention in the chemical sciences.
We have designed this project to generate new insights into the barriers facing female academics in the chemical sciences with three overall objectives:
1) To improve our understanding of the barriers to retention and progression of women in academic roles
2) To identify actionable solutions to enable women to meet their full potential in these roles
3) To begin to investigate issues of retention and progression of female chemical scientists outside academia
The survey is open to all those working in the chemical sciences – not just people currently working in academia. We are interested to hear the views of those who have left academia to work in another profession.
In addition to the survey, the study will comprise further data review of women’s retention and progression, supported by interviews and discussion groups with chemical scientists. We will share findings from this work later in 2018. You can follow our progress on #ChemistryForEveryone.
Take part in the survey and share with friends and colleagues to help us #PressForProgress.
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