‘Culture change’ needed in US to increase number of women in science and engineering

Universities will need to take systemic actions to increase female representation in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (Stemm) fields that are akin to a ‘culture change’, according to a new report from the US National Academies. Its authors state that the recruitment and retention of women in Stemm programmes and careers can be improved if university admissions officers, human resources staff and hiring committees expand the networks from which candidates are drawn. They also urge the development of guidance for academia on how to write job ads and conduct interviews inclusively, as well as strategies to lessen bias in university hiring and promotion decisions.