Why are we actively championing women researchers? 

In 2024, data from UNESCO from 147 countries showed that the overall global percentage of women scientific researchers is around 32%1. In the life sciences, an interesting paradox is often seen where although women make up 49% of the global life sciences workforce, 10% of board positions and 20% of leadership team positions are occupied by women.2 The same trend is seen in academia across the globe where most life sciences students at the undergraduate level are female but along the academic career trajectory, there is a gradual decline in the percentage of women in leadership positions.
 

In the Netherlands, for example, although 54% of graduating biomedical master’s degree students or medical doctors are female, only 28% of full professors are women.

 

This demonstrates that both in the global life sciences industry and academia, women dominate in entry- level jobs but are severely underrepresented in senior leadership positions. 

The field of vaccine research is no exception and there are fewer women involved in field studies, clinical trials, and vaccine development around the world. 

Despite the lower representation of women in this field, some key female researchers were at the forefront of the development of the first RNA-based vaccine against COVID-19.4 

Therefore, the proposed mentorship programme aims to support and champion women researchers involved in vaccine research by matching early career researchers with experienced women scientists. The programme aims to provide guidance and support in the areas of career development, scientific leadership, and personal growth 

1 UNESCO. The gender gap in science: status and trends, February 2024. 2024. Available from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388805 

2 Rhodes, D. Addressing the gender imbalance in life sciences today to secure a better tomorrow. Deloitte Blogs. Available from: https://blogs.deloitte.co.uk/ health/2019/03/addressing-the-gender-imbalance-in-life-sciences-today-to-secure-a-better-tomorrow.html 

3 Dutch Network of Women Professors. Female Professors Monitor 2023.2023. Available from: https://www.lnvh.nl/monitor2023/EN.html 

4 UN Women. Women in science are making a difference during the pandemic. 2021. Available from: https://un-women.medium.com/women-in-science-are- making-a-difference-during-the-pandemic-d3ecc3eb1ca9 

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