Unlocking the potential of women in science and research

Women now represent over 50% of tertiary education graduates in most countries, a significant milestone in achieving gender parity. At the doctoral level, the gap is narrowing too, with women attaining advanced degrees at rates comparable to men in several regions.

However, while education is laying the foundation for gender equity, challenges arise as women advance into research careers.

Despite their growing presence in higher education, women remain underrepresented in the global research workforce. Gender parity among researchers has been achieved in only a few countries, indicating the need for further efforts to ensure equal opportunities.

In innovation, the gender gap becomes even more pronounced. Women are disproportionately underrepresented among inventors, reflecting structural barriers in accessing resources, networks, and opportunities to contribute to intellectual property.

Closing this gap could considerably reshape the innovation landscape by unlocking untapped creative potential.

Representation is not the only issue—retaining women in research is equally vital. Studies, including a recent report in Nature, reveal gender gaps in academia, with women disproportionately leaving certain fields. Creating environments where women can thrive is essential to sustained progress.

The issue is closely tied to the precarity and poor working conditions many face early in their careers. Hyper-competitive environments, precarious postdoctoral roles, and low compensation often push PhD holders to leave academia for alternative careers, with women and under-represented groups particularly affected.

Addressing these challenges requires urgent policy action: improving working conditions, supporting early-career researchers, and diversifying research careers.

The Research and Innovation Careers Observatory underpins the need to create a more inclusive and sustainable R&I ecosystem—one where talent is not only attracted but retained across all backgrounds.

Data-driven insights from projects like the OECD’s STI Scoreboard Indicators and the work of the Global Science Forum point to concrete steps for fostering gender equity. By addressing barriers across education, research, and innovation, we can create an environment where women’s contributions are not only welcomed but celebrated.