The ‘Advancing gender equality in scientific organizations’ project seeks to identify the key barriers and drivers to the leadership of women scientists in scientific organizations, such as academies of science, medicine, and engineering, as well as global disciplinary science unions and identify successful strategies. By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, this initiative aims to assess progress, update baselines, and provide actionable recommendations to improve gender equality in scientific organizations.
Background
Despite making up 33% of researchers worldwide, women comprise only 12% of science academy members. This disparity highlights deep-rooted structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s access to leadership roles in scientific organizations and raises critical concerns about equity, representation, and the full utilization of scientific talent in science organizations.
This study aims to update key baselines and deepen understanding of the structural and cultural challenges facing women scientists. Conducted in partnership by the International Science Council (ISC), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES), it builds on the 2016 IAP survey, the science union-led Gender Gap in Science project, and the 2021 ISC-IAP gender in science survey – incorporating their recommendations to guide its approach and ensure continuity in advancing gender equality efforts.
This project stands out by addressing gender equality in science at the organizational level, focusing specifically on the representation and participation of women within science academies, scientific unions, and science societies. Unlike many initiatives that concentrate on individual career trajectories or broader societal challenges, this project targets the structures and cultures of scientific organizations themselves, identifying systemic barriers and drivers of change and developing actionable recommendations.
Our approach
This project uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate progress in gender equality within scientific organizations affiliated with the ISC, IAP, and SCGES.
The project taskforce, composed of partner representatives, is developing a revised quantitative survey to update data on the representation and participation of women in scientific organizations. In parallel, the qualitative component includes an inquiry based on a written survey and interviews with women scientists to explore structural challenges and identify best practices based on their experiences.
The qualitative approach builds on insights gained from a pilot study, which tested methods for understanding the drivers and barriers to women’s representation in scientific organizations and the successful strategies that can be used. The pilot involved interviews with 10 women scientists, which uncovered valuable insights into the barriers they face and strategies they use to overcome them. Key findings from these interviews were captured in the blog series Women Scientists Around the World: Strategies for Gender Equality, informing the current project’s approach.
The findings from both the quantitative and qualitative methods will be compiled into a report with actionable recommendations, serving as a foundation for discussions and potential concerted initiatives by scientific organizations. Ultimately, the project seeks to foster systemic change by supporting the implementation of practical monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and strengthen gender equality initiatives across member organizations.
Taskforce
The taskforce, comprised of scientists representative of partners, will guide and oversee the effective implementation of the 2025 study on Gender Equality in Science Organizations.
Current taskforce members are:
- Carol Woodward (Chair, Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES); International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM))
- Mark Cesa (Treasurer, SCGES; International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC))
- Marie-Françoise Roy (Communication Officer, SCGES; International Mathematical Union (IMU))
- Peter McGrath (Coordinator, InterAcademy Partnership (IAP))
- Supawan Tantayanon (President, Council of Science and Technology Professionals of Thailand)
- Palesa Sekhejane (ISC Fellow; Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))
- Léa Nacache (Project Coordinator, International Science Council (ISC))
Expected impact
The project aims to drive meaningful and lasting change within global scientific organizations by promoting documented best practices that ensure equal opportunities for women. It also emphasizes the importance of systemic monitoring, advocating for the establishment of ongoing evaluation mechanisms to measure progress, identify gaps, and support the continuous improvement of gender equality initiatives across member organizations.
By advancing these efforts, the project seeks to foster a cultural transformation that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of scientific organizations.
Join us
We invite scientific institutions, policymakers and donors to collaborate with us in advancing gender equality in science leadership. Whether through funding, research collaboration, or policy implementation, your support will help drive a more inclusive and equitable future for science.
For more information, please contact: Léa Nacache at lea.nacache@council.science or scges.genderequality@gmail.com.