an op ed piece:
Cutting Edge - the Courier's science page. Today Dr Laura Waters, Division of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huddersfield University
A career as a research scientist is not an easy path to follow, requiring dedication and devotion to the chosen scientific discipline.
For a woman, statistics show such a career is an unlikely choice but is this right and should it be changed?
Many people currently think so, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, which has conducted studies to try and find out why so few women choose science as a career.
Comparing the number of male and female pupils studying science A levels and continuing on to a degree the numbers are fairly balanced with a 50:50 mix.
It is after this stage that the differences soon become apparent. As scientists progress through postgraduate to postdoctoral to lecturer and all the way up to professorial level, fewer women choose to remain in science - but why?
There are many reasons why women decide to leave the world of scientific research but some general trends have been found that could help shed light on the current problem.
For example, working in a research laboratory requires long hours and uncompromising dedication, not necessarily suited to those seeking flexible or part-time work with a family to consider.
Added to this, the world of academic research is incredibly competitive and only those with a strong personality will succeed. So, even if someone is a talented scientist but too shy to tell others about their strengths it is unlikely they will progress as a research scientist.
It is hard to name a famous female scientist, especially one still living, even in this age of media fame with television and the internet all around us. Probably the most recognisable of them all is Baroness Susan Greenfield, a role model for those who follow her success as a neuroscientist. However, the former Director of the Royal Institution has spoken out of her unhappiness as she has recently been controversially removed from her role, which has been seen by some as an indication that the appointment made others feel uneasy.
Baroness Greenfield is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford researching and promoting awareness of neurological diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Her position as Director of the prestigious Royal Institution appeared to many to make her the ultimate role model for many female scientists. For this to then be taken from her has shocked many and feels to some as a step back from encouraging other female scientists to follow her career path.
My personal career as a research scientist has been comparatively straightforward as luckily I work at a university that supports female scientists. Naturally, with a family and a career, compromises must be made but this could equally be said for any parent who also pursues a career.
In the world of scientific research are we losing anything by not having more female scientists and should we be doing anything to change this? The Royal Society of Chemistry certainly feels that something should be done to reverse this trend.
Limiting the number of female research scientists we have now will limit those we have in the future as every profession needs role models. And how can we expect to cure diseases such as Alzheimers if we can't convince half of our scientists to stay in science?
There is no simple answer to solve this problem but I believe there are some simple steps we can take. Future generations of potential scientists are out there and it is in all of our interests to encourage them to continue their chosen path, regardless of their sex.
Promotion of role models for female research scientists is essential and something I feel passionately about.
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