Interview: Europe far from securing gender balance in science jobs[fr][de] 

"Europe is still far away from gender balance in science and research and European research policy is losing the potential of highly-qualified women scientists," said Dr. Maren A. Jochimsen the secretary-general of the European Platform of Women Scientists (EPWS ), which represents their interests of women scientists in EU research policy. 

Lack of gender awareness, persistent gender stereotypes, predominantly male decision-making bodies, and insufficient network support with respect to women's career advancement are just some of the reasons she lists for women's under-representation in science and research and in reaching the top decision-making level.

To this list, she adds the lack of transparency in recruitment procedures, gate-keeping and the operation of 'old boys networks' to which women often do not have access. 

This is why the Commission's Science and Society Action Plan (December 2001), which contained a series of actions to promote gender equality in science, has not yet delivered. "According to the latest EU statistics , women make up more than 50% of EU students and earn 43% of EU doctoral degrees but on average only get to 15% of senior academic - and thereby research - decision-making positions. In some countries and in some disciplines, these percentages are even lower," deplored Jochimsen. 

To bring about change, Dr Jochimsen urges, among other issues, the need to promote gender mainstreaming and more transparency in recruitment processes and follow the Commission's target of a minimum of 40% female representation in research decision-making bodies, evaluation panels and selection committees.

"Using the full potential and scientific excellence of women scientists is of central importance to the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA) and the Lisbon goal of Europe becoming the world's most competitive knowledge-based economy," Jochimsen emphasised. It is indeed estimated that the EU needs some 700.000 additional researchers to reach the Lisbon goals and increasing the number of female researchers can strongly contribute to this objective.

To read the full interview, please click here.