In 10 years has anything changed for Women and Girls in Science?
It’s been 10 years since the UN announced the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science to highlight the gender gap in Stem-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the slow progress of women into senior positions. As of 2023, the number of women graduates in Stem had increase by 5% to just 35% since 2014, when the Awareness Day launched.
We spoke to six women – undergraduates and researchers from the University of Warwick – to learn about their experiences of nurturing talent in girls and women in stem. There remain barriers entry with the UN reporting only 12% of members in national science academies are women. And for women and girls marginalised by culture, disabilities, rural deprivation and those who identify as LGBTQ+ – the barriers to entry and progression are even higher.
Professor Sian Taylor-Philips
Professor of population health, The University of Warwick, co-leading the EDITH trial
“Science is a fascinating and rewarding career. It includes a variety of interesting challenges and an opportunity to have genuine impacts on national and international policy and, in my case, health outcomes for millions of people. That is a great privilege.”
Read Sian's experiences in science
Dr Martine Barons
Reader in Statistics and the Director of the Applied Statistics & Risk Unit, The University of Warwick
“I encourage girls to get into science, including the mathematical sciences, because there is definitely a space for them. Many of us didn’t know what we wanted to do at 17 or changed paths along the way. Sharing those experiences encourages young people, it shows them that even if you don’t follow a straight path, you can still succeed.”
Read Martine's experiences in science
Dr Abimbola Ayorinde
Associate Professor of Health services and public health research, University of Warwick
"I have always been interested in science. My parents are both nurses and growing up in Nigeria we had a pharmacy, and I was fascinated about how drugs work. I remember having a discussion with my dad where he told me about pharmacology, this inspired me to study physiology and pharmacology at university."
Read Abimbole's experiences in science
Dr Ann Dixon
Reader of Biological Chemistry Department of Chemistry, The University of Warwick
"It wasn't until starting my first permanent academic post where I noticed an issue with the “leaky pipeline” of women in science. Until then I was a bit of a denier, which is ironic given my current portfolio of equality diversity and inclusion (EDI) work now. I just didn't see a problem in my early career, but I can clearly remember when it hit me like a brick, and I have actively mentored women ever since.”
Read Ann's experiences in science
Madeleine Pomroy
Third year undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering, The University of Warwick
"I joined Warwick to study mechanical engineering partly because of Warwick Racing, and due to the facilities and reputation. Warwick Racing is our universities extra-curricular, student run formula student team, for which I’ve now been voted to be Team Principal. Every year we design, build and test a new car and compete against other universities at the annual competition at Silverstone in July."
Read Madeleine's experience in science
Dr Melissa Webby
“Initially, I just wanted to be a researcher and travel the world. Now, as I start my own research group, my goal is to establish myself as a scientist and help train the next generation, especially women, to find their passion in science. I want to encourage others to be excited about research and to create a team that produces quality, dependable science.”
Read Melissa's experiences in science
END
Notes to the editor
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.
University of Warwick press officer Heather Holve is available on + 44 (0) 7803 052441 or heather.holve@warwick.ac.uk