Support the 12.3M+ Women in STEM

For the U.S. to sustain preeminence in science and technology, policymakers must foster and support all available STEM talent.

Expand research funding and U.S. global leadership

Science and technology investment is critical to help:

  • prevent and cure diseases
  • ensure our food supply
  • meet growing energy needs
  • efficiently dispose of waste
  • prevent cyberattacks

The Science and Technology Action Committee compiled data showing that China is outpacing the U.S. in patent applications, doctorate degrees, and R&D investment. 

 

6 in 10 Americans want Congress to invest more in science and technology according to a January 2025 Research America poll.

NIH funded research supports jobs in every state for a total of 390,863 nationwide (Visit United for Medical Research to see state specific data.)

NSF funding has enabled Doppler radar, MRIs, semiconductors, touchscreens and more. (nsf.gov/impacts)

REQUESTED ACTIONS:

  1. Fund the FY27 budget including:
    – $9.9 billion for NSF
    – $51.3 billion for NIH
    – $10.06 billion for DOE Office of Science’s AI and energy research
  2. Support the JAG FAIR Model for reporting of indirect costs.
  3. Enact the Vision for American Science and Technology.

Ensure a robust, future-ready STEM workforce

We need to foster and retain STEM talent. STEM jobs are projected to grow 3x faster than non-STEM jobs over the next decade. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

95% of graduate and postdoctoral researchers struggle with financial instability due to rising costs. (Nature, 2022)

Women in STEM jobs earn on average 74% of what men earn. (Pew Research, 2021)

Women in STEM experience challenges that men do not. This forces many of them to leave. Read stories shared by AWIS members about their experiences.

Specifically caregivers, which includes eldercare and support for people with disabilities or mental health challenges.

Anyone could find themselves with sudden caregiving responsibilities after a sudden diagnosis or accident. 

67% of caregivers have difficulty balancing work, many reduce work or leave. (AARP, 2024)

Women spend 211% more time caregiving than men. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

43% of women and 23% of men leave full-time STEM jobs after their first child. (Cech and Blair-Loy, 2019)

REQUESTED ACTIONS:

  1. Support the Paycheck Fairness Act (S.1115 / H.R. 17) to help close the gender wage gap and retain women.
  2. Support the RESEARCHER Act (S.1664/ H.R. 3054) to address postdoc financial instability.
  3. Support Title IX protections so that women can have access to harassment-free higher education.
  4. Support visas for international women who study / work in the U.S.
  5. Support paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and other caregiving infrastructure and policies.

How policymakers can help support women in STEM

  1. Fund scientific research and science education.
  2. Promote inclusive STEM environments to drive collaboration.
  3. Support equal rights and equal pay.
  4. Support women’s healthcare.
  5. Establish policies that support parents and other caregivers.

About the Association for Women in Science

Founded in 1971 to advance the careers of women in science, AWIS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with 7500 members nationally who span business, academia, government, and the military. AWIS helps women in science reach their full potential by providing career development, networking, mentorship, recognition, and leadership opportunities. Our national community and 31 local chapters offer support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that helps women stay in STEM. (AWIS also helps organizations reach, recruit, and retain women in science.)