The Molecular Bioscience PhD and Women's Retention: A Survey and Comparison with Chemistry

In 2006, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) undertook a survey of chemistry PhD students which revealed that although a greater proportion of women than men began their PhDs with the intention of remaining in research, by the end of the PhD this proportion had halved, while the proportion of men had stayed about the same.

The report below presents findings from a similar survey concentrating on molecular bioscience.  The aim was to establish whether the same patterns of career intentions as those found among chemistry PhD students were found among molecular bioscience students.

The research was carried out as a collaboration between the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET (UKRC), the Biochemical Society and the RSC after Annette Williams, the UKRC's Director, heard some preliminary data from the survey of chemistry PhD students presented at the Royal Society.

The findings on the doctoral study experiences of molecular bioscience PhD students are that the overwhelming majority of respondents were happy in their role as PhD students.  Notwithstanding, the 'downsides' to PhD study included, repetitive, frustrating work, long and irregular work hours; financial worries; feelings of isolation; and supervision problems.  These results were similar to those found for chemistry PhD students;

In contrast to the results for chemistry PhD students, there was no evidence that a significant proportion of women were deterred during their PhD from entering a research career in the molecular biosciences. Rather, many female molecular bioscience respondents had never intended to remain in research.  Of those molecular bioscience PhD students planning to continue in research after completing their PhD, 90% of both sexes indicated they were likely to remain in academia.  However, only 47% of female respondents compared with 62% of male respondents believed they would have a long term academic career.

The report contains a list of policy recommendations based on the research findings. These suggest ways of improving culture and practice that will benefit doctoral students. We hope that these recommendations will be taken forward by the appropriate stakeholders including Heads of SET university departments, all those who work and/or supervise PhD students, learned societies, and research councils because the changes the report suggests can only be accomplished with their support and enthusiasm.