New research to shine a light on barriers for women in healthcare
New research to shine a light on barriers for women in healthcare
03 May 2023
With funding from The Parasol Foundation and Imperial Health Charity, researchers will spend the next year exploring the factors preventing some women from moving forward into senior roles in clinical academia.
The research will also help us understand what changes could be made to better support women in their academic careers.
"We want to drive forward real changes that will make it easier for women to fulfil their full potential."
Professor Clare Lloyd, Imperial College London
Professor Clare Lloyd and Dr Liz Elvidge, from Imperial College London, are leading the project with support from specialist consultants Research Coach.
Prof Lloyd said: “For far too long, talented and passionate women who are motivated to move forward in their clinical academic careers have been held back by barriers beyond their control. We want to spotlight these important issues and drive forward real changes that will make it easier for women to fulfil their full potential.”
The research is being funded as part of the Parasol Foundation Centre for Women’s Health and Cancer Research – a partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial Health Charity and The Parasol Foundation that aims to support vital research into women’s health.
Our programme of research is focused on creating opportunities for women to progress in science and healthcare.
According to a 2017 UNESCO study, fewer than a third of the world’s researchers are women – and only 35% of all female students choose a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in higher education. For women who do progress into clinical academic roles, barriers may exist that prevent them from progressing their career and can result in them being forced to give up an academic position.
At the end of the project the research team will share insights that could help healthcare and academic institutions learn how they can provide additional support for women.
Dr Elvidge added: “We hope this key research project will draw attention to the challenges women face in clinical academia and empower institutions to do more to support the female researchers of the future.”
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The Parasol Foundation Centre for Women’s Health and Cancer Research is generously supported by Ms Ruth Monicka Parasol and The Parasol Foundation. The Foundation has a strong commitment to improving women’s health and creating opportunities for women to pursue successful careers in research and STEM fields.
You can find out more about the Parasol Foundation Centre for Women’s Health and Cancer Research here.
