My coach imparted a profound lesson, “your health is your most valuable asset. If you can dedicate even 45 minutes a day to yourself, you’re investing in a lifetime of well-being. No matter how busy life gets, fitness isn’t an option—it’s a necessity.” It’s a lesson I hope more women in research embrace, for our health and well-being are just as critical as our academic achievements.
We frequently hear about the “fathers” of various scientific disciplines, such as the father of microbiology or the father of genetics, but rarely do we hear about the “mothers” of these fields. This linguistic bias further entrenches the notion that significant scientific contributions are predominantly male, ignoring the substantial impact made by women.
Through the representation of women and people of color as essential components of the narrative of human evolution and scientific discovery, we can encourage a wider range of youth to pursue their career in science.
The stigma and silence surrounding menstruation in fieldwork contribute to a lack of support and consideration. Women often feel compelled to push through discomfort and health risks to avoid falling behind in their work. This can lead to burnout, health issues, and a sense of isolation. Addressing the challenges of menstruation in fieldwork is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of equity and inclusion. By acknowledging and accommodating these needs, we can create a more supportive and productive environment for all researchers and professionals.
Recent research has shown that girls do better than boys at all ages in the STEM subjects. Incidentally they do way better in non-STEM subjects. Also more women than men have dropped out of the workforce while coping with the challenges of remote working due to the covid-19 pandemic. Whatever be the representation of women in science, there is a need to convey the impactful work of women scientists.
In July 2023, I attended an international conference for which I was one of the main organizers. The thing was that I had to bring my 6-year, 3-year, and 7-week-old kids. What stood out to me was that people constantly wanted to talk about my kids and no longer seemed to see me as an accomplished researcher. After a while, I realized that all the ‘baby talk’ wasn’t a reflection of myself but of the other attendees sharing their own experiences. With this story I want to highlight the lack of visibility our scientific community gives to our families.
How do we know what is possible? How do we feel less alone? How do we uncover solutions to our sticky problems? Stories. Sometimes we need to step away from our data, industry journals or text books. Learning about women who have navigated similar trials and trails as we have seen, or we expect to face, is time well spent. Fiction, done well, can be wildly helpful.
How well do we address mentoring issues in research? Is stereotyping prevalent in research? Does inclusiveness and diversity really exist in research? Why don’t we guide students for jobs outside of academia?
The flexibility to move around which an academic career demands is especially disadvantaging female scientists, even without kids. Why? The average age difference in cis-heterosexual relationships and the according difference in career stage creates pressure to stay in a place where the male part in the relationship already has a job, instead of him giving it up so that they can move wherever the next short-term academic contract takes her.
There are still difficulties that we encounter as women in science and we shouldn’t ignore them. We need a system that provides resources for our needs and doesn’t discriminate against us. It’s up to all of us that are aware of the challenges to be agents of change and not be complaisant with any less.
Marie received her Ph.D. in biological science at the University of Tokyo in 2017, and soon after, she started working at the University at Buffalo, New York. Currently (11.2020-), Marie is an assistant professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, but here she writes about her research life in Buffalo, and why she chose Buffalo.
From Philosophy to Microbiology…from Engineering to astrophysics, regardless which field is holding you in its grip, is firing up your curiosity… we can all agree on the fact that science is in no way boring, it rocks! Unfortunately, too many people choose a path/career out of fear for what they really want, what seems impossibly out of reach or is too ridiculous to expect. So they never dare to take that step towards their true purpose in life, never dare to ask the universe for it. I am saying, you can fail at what you don’t want so, you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.
As a woman in a position of power in STEM, I’ve dedicated much of my energy to ensuring that future generations of young women are empowered and inspired to join the scientific community (particularly in a career in astronomy, but I guess I am a bit biased). For future generations of women to feel comfortable embracing a career in STEM, we must pave the way for them to pursue their personal and professional aspirations in a society that respects and appreciates their contribution.
As a woman in science, you probably have or had a menstrual cycle. A cycle that affects us physically, emotionally, and also mentally. But it’s something that has been traditionally stigmatized. Something we keep private and don’t often share, especially when working. But that cycle can help us be more productive at work. We can plan the most suitable task for each phase. And most importantly, don’t feel guilty or ashamed when we are not as efficient as we would like at doing a task that is not the best for that phase. This cycle is a source of energy we can learn to harness!
I always knew I would not stay in academia and research forever, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with my career. Until I discovered the world of science communication and realised I was made for that: I like explaining, exploring and talking about microbes. But to get there took me two years. And it all started with the idea of creating a science blog.
Feminism, something that everyone should be talking about, is a movement/emotion that rose against the inhumane accepted practices we have grown to consider normal in our society. It encompasses female infanticide, gender-bias, domestic violence, and female objectification that are crippling the women in our community. It fights for the right to education, the right to work, equal pay, and the right to safety to empower women.
One of my friends (a male friend who chose to stay anonymous) recently interviewed me on this topic, which is very close to my heart.
Even today we look at the fulfilment of gender roles as an achievement in our everyday lives. I researched literature around the way mainstream media continues to perpetuate gender stereotypes. Through my writing, I take you through the basics of gender and sex, history and mass media’s continuous portrayal of sticking to gender norms. I highlight how this gender perpetuation affects us unknowingly, and I draw inspiration from (and mention) the famous article ‘Doing Gender’ by West and Zimmerman.
Resilience is a dynamic, evolving process, during this process, you identify yourself, you grow, you gain confidence, you dream bigger, you inspire others, you tap into your strengths and you improve yourself. As Ann Masten says “Resilience is ordinary magic…” Individuals all over the world have the ability to tap into their ‘magic’ and make use of their strengths, assets and resources. Now, more than ever, we need to build ourselves, support each other and maximize our strengths in order to emerge as a resilient nation so that we can fight obstacles and fear, and in doing so, we can flourish.
Scientists spend most of their time trying to improve the world through their discoveries. However, making these exciting discoveries without the ability to communicate their importance to a variety of audiences will severely diminish the potential of this work to positively affect society. To this end, we advocate for a comprehensive science communication training program to be implemented in universities, and a recognition for the value of science communication both within and outside of academia.
Whilst being locked in with a 1-year-old is hard work, I count myself lucky that (a) I only have one and (b) I imagine entertaining a 1-year-old I imagine is easier than a 4-year-old (c) I don’t have to compete for broadband with two teenage children. All parents out there, trying to manage the wellbeing of their housebound child(ren) and balance work, and find any item on their shopping list in the supermarket, and keep fit, and stay sane and maybe even home school, you are doing great.
I never really had to stand on my own two feet before. Until recently. This past year, I experienced a few major life changes all at once. I’ve learned that I had to go through the pain to come out the other side. But I also learned that you won’t ever get back up unless you choose to. I saw a quote recently that said “Something will grow from all that you’re going through. And it will be you.”
Have you ever thought that being a researcher can help when looking for a job? There are so many similar aspects to the process followed during experiments and the process followed during job hunting. Many analogies can be drawn, expecially when things do not work out so well…
I recently felt inspired by a video from Michael Phelps, where he talked about his struggles with depression and anxiety. It was interesting that someone whom the world considers immensely successful and seemingly having his life together is an actual human being who experiences similar issues to many other people. His story is very relevant to my life, as someone who recently experienced a rather drastic life transition. It broke me down to a level that I didn’t know was possible, but it’s also building me back up now into a person who is stronger and more authentic than ever. This personal story tells how setbacks can help you discover yourself, and how they don’t have to define you, but can be used as fuel to improve and to help others along the way.
Have you ever wished there was someone to guide you through the rough patches of a PhD (or a research project in general)? Have you ever said “oh, I wish I knew that earlier!”? Coming from this side as someone who found out bits and bobs as I progressed and managed to get something other than research out of my PhD, I gathered some tips that some of you might find useful.
After publishing an article in The female Scientist about how she organized her own speaking tour, Dr Fiona Cross was asked how she received the funds to make her tour possible. Here, she shares her experiences.
Power imbalances in academia are so prevalent, and women are fighting many battles. Truly changing the landscape for women to feel more powerful in academia will require the participation of various groups, and a conscious effort from men to help with this change at multiple levels. This post will describe this issue and provide a few possible solutions on how the scientific community can contribute.
All around the world (including Western countries), girls miss school days because of their menstruations. I chose to discuss the consequences of the menstruations stigma and how we can fight the educational gender gap.
They say some people come into our lives for a short time, and others stay for a lifetime. But even if they were only in our lives for a very short time, that doesn’t mitigate the impact they’ve had on us. This includes both professional and personal influences in the form of mentors and friends, whose impact is sometimes felt long into the future. This article explores various types of impact which individuals can have on our life’s journey.
This is the story of Clara, a fictional character, re-encountering a stalker at an academic institution, told by a third-person narrator. Clara was not provided any sense of closure after reporting circumstances of sexual misconduct to the school leading to a lack of sense of self. In other words, I am using my interest in creative writing to illustrate a type of trauma hindering the development and progress of a student. The academic culture needs to change such that students are treated as human beings, their needs are heard, and that policies can be implemented with a transparent due-process where perpetrators encounter tangible consequences for their behavior. A safe workplace is crucial for the professional development and retention of trainees.
Why should researchers engage with outreach activities? How can we tackle issues arising during public engagement events? What can we learn through such activities and how can we use them to “boost” our CV?
“Making a baby is so much fun!” Luckily, for the majority of couples it is and it does not take particularly long for women to get pregnant. However, worldwide one in six couples have severe problems to conceive with an increasing tendency and I unfortunately drew the short straw. Before I was confronted with this topic, I did not know that so many people are affected and what it really means, because it is a taboo subject in our society. It took me quite long to understand that it is a disease like any other and that it can affect everybody no matter how healthy you are otherwise. Although our most private body zones are affected, we need stop hiding in shame and we need to open up in order to get the support and understanding that we need from our surrounding to live a more normal life.
Clinical speaking, the aim of a science journalist is to render very detailed, specific, and often jargon-laden information provided by scientists into a form that non-scientists can understand and appreciate while still communicating the information accurately. We want to be your communication channel… your bridge between complex scientific data and the theories of the general public.
Actor and playwright Ellen Denny is on a mission to tell the world about her great great aunt Harriet Brooks.
Growing up, Ellen knew there was a scientist in her family, but it wasn’t until she read Harriet Brooks: Pioneer Nuclear Scientist by Geoffrey Rayner-Canham and Marelene Rayner-Canham that she began to understand who her great great aunt truly was, and what she was able to accomplish. As an established theatre actor curious to try playwriting, Harriet’s story of perseverance and sacrifice was the igniting spark for Ellen to write her first play, entitled Wonder. Now, more than four years into the creation process, her passion for telling this story has only increased…
Many say graduate school, or for that matter academia, and kids don’t mix, especially if you are a woman and “want it all.” Despite an emotional rollercoaster that comes with an early miscarriage, my experience with planning a child along with earning a Ph.D. was probably the best case scenario, including a supportive advisor, department, and home life.
While it may be scary for many people, experience in public speaking has a lot of benefits. But what is it like to organize a speaking tour? Dr Fiona Cross shares her experiences and adventures.
The suggestion that women need ‘fixing’ via upskilling or behaviour modification to address workplace inequity fails to consider the workplace and social structures in which women exercise their choices. Here I debunk three of the most pervasive myths about women in STEM.
This article is a summary of a report published by the Royal Society of Chemistry on the diversity landscape of the Chemical Science. The vast majority of this report is focused on women, which are clearly underrepresented in chemistry, and science in general. Women account for only 35% of scientists in STEM and earn less than their male counterparts. The current research suggests that women are less confident when it comes to putting themselves forward for leadership positions or in salary negotiations.
I am graduating from a Ph.D. program, but don’t even think of a post-doc. If I want to start a family, I need to face almost a two-year break in my scientific career. Meanwhile, my male friends will leave for and come back from their abroad contracts. Here’s what men do not know about being a female scientist.
Representation of women of colour in academia is a global problem and in order to address it, we need people to talk. Race is seen as taboo, but no longer will we allow the conversation to continue without our input, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Putting yourself out there on the Internet can be terrifying – but I promise, it can also be one of the most useful and rewarding things you do as someone just starting out. Here are some things I’ve learned from the past year in creating a social media presence as a scientist…
In the wake of the sex scandals coming to light in other industries, I think it’s time to address the elephant in the room: the supervisor who is “hands on”… and not in a good way.
Sexism in STEM is rampant; you don’t need me to tell you that. From 113 pages of sexual assault/harassment allegations (U of R, 2017) to the Google engineer memo (also 2017), there are dozens of examples each year of sexism inside STEM environments. But it isn’t just the sexism that women experience in their fields – at conferences, in the office/lab, etc. – that makes it harder for women to succeed in STEM. Misogyny and sexism outside of the workplace can also negatively impact women’s performance at work, and thus the progress of their career and their science. How do two things, seemingly happening in different spheres, overlap?
The job of a scientist is immensely rewarding – but also technically challenging, and often riddled with administrative and institutional red tape. Learning how to navigate these challenges is critical for mastering the practice of science and advancing early career scientists (students, interns, post-docs, etc). The role of good mentors can set the stage for success. However, there is little discussion about the damage that can be wrought by a bad mentor.
How aerobic exercise helped one graduate student meet deadlines without losing her mind.
I clearly remember the moment when my first paper was published – oh, how proud I was. Finally, I felt like a proper scientist! When I told my (non-academic) family about it, one of the first things they asked was Great, so finally you get something out of your work! How much did they pay you for it? My answer, actually a little bit embarrassed: Uhm, nothing. But I did not have to pay THEM for publishing it, so that´s great! They did not get it. Why should they?
You handed in your first paper a while ago, and now you are waiting on the journal’s response. You are annoyed with them taking so long to finish their review, but on the other hand, you are getting really nervous every time you open your e-mails because they might have answered you?
Maybe your first paper was already rejected, or you had it accepted with major revision, and now you are absolutely terrified and have the impression that you might be incapable of being a proper scientist?
It´s not just you!
Are women and men perceived and treated equally in science? Do we still need special programs to support female scientists? This is what science tells us!
What is the idea behind The female Scientist? What are our aims? Why are you needed to reach our goals and change the current situation?
