Brussels, 22/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - Science is also a “girl thing”. That is the message the Commission intends to drive home throughout the EU over the next three years to get more girls interested in science and encourage more women to choose research as a career.
It is often highlighted that there are not enough women in science-based sectors. While women make up more than half the EU's student population and 45% of all doctorates, they account for only one third of career researchers. The Commission is confronting this problem head-on launching a campaign on 21 June to get young women interested in studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM subjects). Initially the campaign will focus on 13 to 17 year-olds because it is as adolescents that youngsters make their first choices of studies. The focus will then broaden to female students more generally, encouraging them to consider research careers. This Commission initiative has come at precisely the right time with the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Council of Thursday 21 June adopting conclusions on gender equality in scientific training and climate-change decision-making (see EUROPE 10638). (MD/transl.rt)