For years, there has been a significant disparity between the number of men and women in science. For instance, the percentage of female professors is 31.4 per cent at Radboud University. Fortunately, progress is being made, and events like International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 are aimed at drawing further attention to this issue. But what is the real experience of women in science careers? And how do young female scientists view their future? "Where women in the past had to exhibit masculine behaviour, we are now given the space to harness our strength," said Laura van Niftrik, professor of microbiology, and Femke Vermeir, microbiology PhD student at Radboud University.
As a newly minted scientist, Femke Vermeir sees more and more women at the Faculty of Science at Radboud University. And not just PhD candidates: also assistant, associate, and full professors. She considers this a positive positive development "It shows me that women are getting more opportunities to advance their careers. And that it's possible to have children and continue working in science."
Vermeir emphasizes the importance of diversity in science. "At universities, we seek new solutions to societal problems. More diversity means more perspectives. If the scientific community reflects society, the likelihood of effective solutions is greater."
Professor Laura van Niftrik is also pleased to see more women working in her faculty now than when she started. She has witnessed the development of women in science up close during her career. "I'm now 44 and was one of just a few women when I started. And for a long time, I was even the only female professor in my institute, which brought challenges." Van Niftrik explains that masculine traits like assertiveness were once seen as something women had to learn for a scientific career. "Fortunately, that's now been abandoned, and we are giving women the space to harness their strength."
Improvement and clarity
In recent years, Dutch universities have taken action to attract and retain talented women. For example, Radboud University annually awards Christine Mohrmann Stipends of 6,000 euros per person to female PhD candidates. Vermeir hopes that this financial support will help PhDs to continue their scientific career after their dissertation. Additionally, through the Christine Mohrmann Fund, extra scientific positions are available for talented women. Furthermore, pregnant women in scientific positions within the Faculty of Science receive financial support to arrange replacements during their maternity leave.
Van Niftrik is glad that the progression criteria within a scientific career are clearer than when she started at her faculty. "This makes the process fairer for both women and men. As an assistant professor, you get a permanent contract after a year and a half, much faster than before. Additionally, it's clear what criteria you must meet to progress from assistant to associate professor and associate to full professor. This can encourage current PhD candidates like Femke to stay in science after their dissertation."
Furthermore, diversity is now a structural part of appointment advisory committees, committees that are responsible for recruiting and selecting candidates for a scientific position. Each committee includes at least one woman with an equivalent or higher position and a diversity officer, and all members have undergone diversity training. Van Niftrik: "I notice this has led to a different selection process, even among men. Previously, they mainly sought one type of talent, the stereotypical professor who is only a brilliant scientist. Now it's also important to have people skills and affinity with education and management."
Role models and innate scientists
Van Niftrik and Vermeir quickly agree on what motivates young women to enter science. Vermeir says, "A female role model makes a big difference. I appreciate having Laura as a mentor because she can provide good advice and understands the challenges I may face." Van Niftrik agrees. "When female students tell me I inspire them, and that's why they want to stay in science, I'm aware of the impact. I want to contribute to making early-career female scientists feel as much at home at Radboud University as I do."
But did Vermeir and Van Niftrik dream of being scientists since childhood? Not necessarily. Both ended up in academia due to their passion for microbiology and motivation to learn more. Vermeir says, "So if you're curious, love learning, and aren't afraid to take the stage, then science can definitely be for you. You are certainly welcome, and you have a part to play!"