Brussels, 25/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - Women represent only 30% of European researchers, according to the latest figures in She Figures, a survey giving the most recent (2006) statistics and indicators on gender equality in science teaching and scientific disciplines. “While some trends are positive, the fact that women remain under-represented in scientific careers should be a worry for all of us. This gender imbalance in science is a waste of opportunity and talent which Europe cannot afford”, said Janez Potoènik, Commissioner for Science and Research. She Figures 2009 shows that women still account for only 37% of all researchers in the higher education sector, which is more or less the same as in the government sector, 39%, but far higher than in the business enterprise sector, 19%. From 2002 to 2006, the percentage of women has increased in all scientific sectors. The highest growth was recorded in the field of medical science, the humanities, engineering and technology and social sciences. The survey shows that the progression of women and men in the higher education sector confirms a pattern of “vertical segregation”, whereby the majority of women in academia are to be found in lower hierarchical positions. Women account for 59% of all graduates, but only 18% of full professors in Europe are women. (For further information: http: //ec.europa/research/science-society/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.topic&id=126) (B.C./transl.jl)