In a letter to The Times, a group of professors attacked the BBC for failing to include a scientist in its ‘100 Women’ list of influential females from around the world.
Prof. Brian Fulton, University of York and Chair of Institute of Physics Juno Committee, said:
“In universities and science bodies across the UK there is a lot of work being done to celebrate the achievements of woman scientists in an effort to boost the attractiveness of a science career to the next generation of young woman. Until the country can redress the lower percentage of woman entering science, we tap only a part of the talent that we need to be competitive. It is a great shame that in selecting its ‘100 woman’.
“The BBC has missed the opportunity to recognise the contribution of any of the many world leading female scientists.”
Sarah Dickinson, Athena SWAN programme manager, Equality Challenge Unit, said:
“Highlighting the achievements of women throughout the world is necessary and commendable. However, it is a shame that the” 100 women” event didn’t include the many examples of inspiring women research scientists. The government have just announced a £200 million funding scheme for science and engineering in English universities, with a specific focus on addressing the problems of getting women into science. The lack of women scientists in lists such as this is a missed opportunity to encourage women into science at school, university and throughout their careers.”
Dr Sophie Redford, Physicist at CERN, said:
“As a young researcher I was disappointed not to see any scientists amongst the BBC’s 100 women.
“Women are performing remarkable scientific research, despite facing challenges due to the historical (and continuing) male dominance of the field. Issues include: gender stereotypes in science education favouring male students, a lack of role models and mentors for young female scientists, equality in hiring, pay and promotion and maintaining a work-family balance.
“A career in science offers all young people fantastic opportunities: pioneering research at the forefront of knowledge, collaboration in an international environment, and making discoveries that will help shape the world of tomorrow. I hope that in the future the challenges facing female scientists can be overcome, so that more women are attracted to science both in their education and careers.”
Prof. Dame Athene Donald FRS, Gender Equality Champion, University of Cambridge, said:
“’It is good to see the BBC celebrating women, but this list stays disappointingly close to established societal norms. Despite the many notable examples of brilliant female scientists from around the world, their complete omission from the list yet again reinforces old-fashioned stereotypes of ‘suitable’ careers for women, giving a subliminal but damaging message to young girls considering their future options. It is high time for opinion formers to catch up with the world as it really is and present a better balanced view of what women can and do accomplish in order to inspire future generations.’”
Prof. Valerie Gibson, Head of High Energy Physics, University of Cambridge, said:
“Women scientists are a driving force behind scientific discoveries, which ultimately inform their applications in many walks of life. Although the BBC will host women in the “100 women” event who represent the applications of science , it will totally neglect the very large community that conduct the underlying research. It is important to provide a connection for girls between the Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) they learn at school and the potential of a fulfilling career that leads to scientific discovery; a connection the BBC has totally missed.”
The BBC’s ‘100 Women’ can be found here.