Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Today, we take a moment to honour the incredible contributions of women in science but also to reflect on the disparities that still exist in STEM. 

Having studied Chemistry at university in the 90’s and 00’s, I have personally experienced the lack of representation and inequity first hand. From sitting in lecture halls surround by around 3 males to every female, to discovering in one of my first roles in industry that a less qualified male counterpart was earning 14% more! There have of course been significant advances since then, but we still have a long way to go.

Women account for one half of the world’s population and therefore one half of it’s potential. Despite this there is still gender inequality and underrepresentation in the field of STEM. 

Did you know that female researchers are often passed over for promotion and tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers than their male counterparts? They are also more likely to be given smaller research grants and although they represent one third of all researchers, only 12% of women are members of national science academies. 

There have been major technological advances in the field of science by women. From Marie Curie, the trailblazer in radioactivity, to Rosalind Franklin, whose work was crucial in understanding the structure of DNA. Imagine what we could have achieved without inequality! 

Today, we celebrate the women scientists who defy stereotypes, challenge norms, and drive innovation across diverse disciplines. Their resilience, creativity, and intellect propel us forward in the quest for knowledge and solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science let's strive for a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. It's a call to action to support, mentor, and empower women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By fostering an environment that embraces diversity, we unlock the full potential of our collective intellect and ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

If you are interested in a career in STEM, contact claire.collinson@kinetica.co.uk

 #womeninSTEM #scientificcareers