Broughton releases women in science whitepaper

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 2023, contract research and scientific consultancy organization Broughton has released a whitepaper. Based on the experiences of five of its female scientists, the roundtable discussion shares their career journeys, gives behind the scenes access to what a career in science really looks like, and busts common myths.

According to UNESCO, only 35 per cent of the world’s researchers are women. One of the reasons women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers is the prevailing stereotype that they are male fields. When asked to draw a scientist, most children still draw men. According to the OECD, by the age of 15, boys are twice as likely as girls to expect to work as engineers, scientists, or architects.

Access to role models and positive experiences of diverse representation in STEM are helping to disrupt stereotypes, but there is still work to be done. Many misconceptions about the industry prevail, and sharing the experiences of real women working in the field can help to bust the myths, as well as provide role models for young people.

The whitepaper includes contributions from: Associate Project Scientist Aleema Iqbal, Laboratory Manager Kerry Child, Operations Services Manager Katie Harrison, Quality Assurance Officer Vicky Broomhead and Quality Manager Claire Davy. These women are from varying backgrounds and disciplines, and followed different routes into and throughout their career journeys. The women enjoyed sharing their experiences, ultimately bringing together ideas for what the industry can do to increase the number of girls and young women interested in science.

“In the UK, women account for only 20 per cent of the STEM workforce. It’s important that we change this, to bring new perspectives and solutions to the table, increase diversity of thinking and create a more equitable world,” said Chris Allen, CEO of Broughton. “At Broughton, over 40 per cent of our Lab Scientist and Consultancy team are women, and we are passionate about supporting them to achieve their ambitions.”

“I find working in science extremely rewarding, it’s the perfect challenge,” said Aleema Iqbal, Associate Project Scientist at Broughton, who is currently developing and validating a glycidol method. “My favourite thing about working at Broughton is the level of support I get from my colleagues. Working in such a positive environment makes me feel excited to come into work every day, and motivated to achieve my goals.”

Broughton is a global scientific consultancy-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing across industries in pharmaceuticals, next generation nicotine delivery products and cannabinoids. With its in-house laboratory testing facilities for the life sciences sector, its mission is to become the world's most trusted integrated services provider , and help improve societal health and wellbeing.

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About Broughton

Broughton is the global scientific consultancy-based Contract Research Organisation (CRO) across industries in pharmaceuticals, nicotine containing products and cannabinoids. With our in-house laboratory testing facilities for the life sciences sector, our mission is to become the most trusted integrated services provider in the world, improving societal health and wellbeing.