Science is filled with intrigue and attract the inquisitive minds of both men and women to learn and understand the world in all its wonder. So why is there a gender gap when it comes to women scientists, compared to men?

 

One explanation could be the lingering stereotype of the typical white-male scientist, wearing a strained, tattered lab coat and Einstein-like hair. Too often, we are exposed to hero’s like Neil Armstrong and Thomas Edison, who are both pioneers in their fields and… male.

 

Throughout my entire biology major at the ANU, I can only think of two female pioneers, Fiona Wood who worked on spray-on skin for burns victims, and Rosalind Franklin who was instrumental in determining the structure of our DNA, using X-rays.

 

However, as the aspiring scientists of the next generation look for role models their exposure to male superstars, such as Charles Darwin or Albert Einstein is more likely. As women in science are too often cast into the shadows, and hidden from the immediate limelight, science-inspired girls and women may see this as a barrier for their future in the field, resulting in less women in professional and academic higher-ranking roles in science.

 

Unfortunately, stereotypes, like the male scientist wearing a lab coat, is culturally imbedded in our social fabric, making it difficult to change. Yet, challenging this very idea is a program called Superstars of STEM. The program aims to address the public perception of equality in science by promoting 30 women role models in STEM careers.

 

Highlighting the achievements of superstar women in their fields will hopefully increase the interest and attraction for women worldwide. Whether it be the modern invention of spray-on skin or the one X-ray that opened the flood gates for genetic research, women have been instrumental in science. It’s about time these Wonder-women came out of the shadows.