Laughing in Labcoats
March 27, 2026
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Science Riot! training helps women scientists to transform their research into stand-up comedy, building their confidence and communication skills.
Science Riot! training helps women scientists to transform their research into stand-up comedy, building their confidence and communication skills.
Choosing between using language that gets visibility and language that authentically reflects yourself and your work on LinkedIn.
Higher education institutions that embrace programs for students with intellectual disabilities can build a more resilient, innovative, and fulfilling academic environment.
The myth that a science career and motherhood can not coexist produces a penalty on working women. Being aware of the motherhood penalty marks the first step toward mitigating it.
Despite a longstanding narrative about men dominating video game creation and gaming, women have made significant impacts on the video game industry
Enter by December 19 for a chance to win Fixing Fairness, a practical guide from organizational strategist Lily Zheng on transforming diversity backlash into meaningful, measurable progress. Drawing on research and real-world consulting, Zheng outlines four tenets that help organizations strengthen fairness, build trust, and create cultures where everyone can thrive.
Today’s workplace spans more generations than ever before. In this session, John Little explores how leaders can navigate generational dynamics to build emotionally intelligent, collaborative teams. Walk away with practical coaching strategies, tools to reduce conflict, and a framework for fostering multigenerational trust.
The STEM Booster Act of 2025 seeks to prevent loss of diversity in STEM by providing grants to increase recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in science and engineering.
These AWIS members have learned that listening is a crucial skill for leaders.
Even in fields where women outnumber men, systemic and interpersonal forms of sexism persist as significant barriers. Here are some actions women in STEM can take to lift each other up and create a more inclusive environment.
Katherine Johnson was one of the first African American women to work for NASA. Her work was critical to the success of U.S. crewed spaceflights.
In the 2022–2023 academic year, 46% of international college students were enrolled in STEM programs. Support for these young international scientists is crucial to meet the demands of the growing STEM job market.
So far, approaches to workplace inclusion have been scattered and progress has stalled. U.S. businesses spend $8 billion each year on trainings that don’t work and actually backfire. Led by Sara Sanford, this webinar focuses on systemic approaches to workplace equity, highlighting the importance of measurable progress and sustainable solutions.
One of the few Latina aerospace engineers, Daniella Sladen wants to revolutionize aerospace while creating a culture that embraces inclusivity and family values.
AWIS member Patricia Soochan reviews the Elsevier report “Progress Toward Gender Equality in Research and Innovation – 2024 Review,” an analysis of women’s participation, contributions, and career progression in STEM and related fields over the past two decades.
In a recent AWIS webinar, Lisa M. P. Muñoz, author of Women in Science Now, shared stories from scientists researching the disparities women in science continue to encounter, such as as discriminatory hiring practices, disparate pay scales, and limited opportunities for career advancement. She offered fresh insights into reshaping STEM fields to foster greater equity and inclusivity.
Samira Kiani explores the importance of combining emotional and spiritual intelligence with traditional STEM education to create responsible technologies of the future.
It’s important to celebrate women’s career goals and future plans, whether or not marriage and children are in the picture.
Do you currently have a leadership engagement strategy in place? What obstacles are you trying to overcome? Jimi Okubanjo guides you through the process of using a stakeholder engagement matrix and identifying allies in your journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Marissa Russo has found that having all parts of her identity come together and embracing them as strengths has made her a better scientist.
Addressing implicit biases against women in science is crucial for fostering a truly inclusive and equitable environment. By acknowledging and actively countering these biases, institutions can unlock the full potential of all scientists.
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance announces STEMM Equity and Excellence 2050: A National Strategy for Progress and Prosperity at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence. AWIS is one of the 200+ cross-sector partners committed to diversifying and expanding STEMM workforce by 2050.
At University of California, Merced, Iris Montes joined the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), motivating her to work to improve diversity in higher education and science.
Many underrepresented minorities already face significant obstacles in obtaining higher education and entering STEM majors. The existence of a hidden curriculum exacerbates these barriers. Usha Rao, PhD, offers suggestions to help.
Genentech is advancing inclusive research to save lives and empower communities
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Stacie Lin is an MD/PhD candidate in the Harvard/MIT dual degree program, and also the concertmaster of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra (LSO), a group sometimes referred to as Boston’s medical orchestra.
AWIS Partner Shimadzu Scientific Instruments shares details about the organization and the importance of this AWIS partnership.
As I approached college, I knew that I wanted a degree that would help me become a problem solver. I had always had a passion
Jes Averhart wants you to realize that the world needs YOU.
The Allen Institute is an independent nonprofit bioscience research institute in Seattle aimed at unlocking the mysteries of human biology through foundational science that fuels the discovery of new treatments and cures.
Shameka Lewis’ work as an EHS Director ensures workplace safety for workers in the manufacturing industry.
Jennifer Rasing is a passionate scientist and leader who has spent a career of over 20 years dedicated to the biopharmaceutical industry.
Improving diverse representation in clinical trials and research has been a federal policy priority for decades. Yet a new report from the National Academies of
Research shows that workers prioritize DEI but are becoming tired of simply talking about it. The Inclusion Habit® is a three-month program designed to cultivate more inclusive behaviors through daily micro-commitments.
We represent a global movement for mothers in science led by Mothers in Science (MiS). We are a coalition of individuals and organizations from all around the world with a common goal: to demand our leaders for immediate action to support mothers in science and enact policies to eliminate systemic inequities and increase retention of women in the STEMM sector.
A new paper and several initiatives demonstrate how challenging stereotypes of women in science—on social media, as life-size statues, through portraits and other media— is critical to achieving gender equity in STEM.
PhD Candidate Elizabeth Munguia Trujillo shares the importance of mentorship and introducing STEM careers to underserved and marginalized students.
Chrishon Lampley is the first African American woman in the Midwest to take a wine label national with her brand Love Cork Screw.
As a DNA analyst, Holly Porter, PhD applies her science, math, and critical thinking skills to directly impact society by aiding in solving criminal cases of various natures.
Endictus Corp. is a minority- and woman-owned small business that provides cybersecurity engineering, information technology support, and consulting services for the federal government.
Today President Biden will sign the CHIPS and Science Act, and AWIS CEO, Meredith Gibson, will be in attendance to witness the historical event.
Being part of a community of women in science has allowed me to realize the strengths that being different has granted me.
Achieve More LLC will construct a strategic plan that furthers AWIS’ mission and includes programs and initiatives that intentionally drive DEI throughout the scientific workforce.
In 1975, NASA hired Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the television series Star Trek, to execute a marketing campaign encouraging women and men of color to apply to the space program.
AWIS urges the confirmation of Dr. Prabhakar as the first woman and person of color nominated to serve as a Senate-confirmed Director of the OSTP.
A conversation with Tamara Terry, Research Survey Scientist and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Council Domestic Outreach Chair at RTI International.
One of us was a biology major from California and one a physics major from Trinidad & Tobago. We conceptualized STEMNoire as a first-of-its-kind research conference and holistic wellness retreat for women of the African diaspora in STEM fields.
Alix Generous is a behavior analyst, DEI consultant, and professional speaker. She also happens to be autistic.
After the pandemic shook up her routine, Jazmine R. Alexander realized that she wanted to use her education to teach her community how to become ecocentric.
These four leaders are advancing ID&E initiatives, enhancing science, innovating agriculture, and inspiring colleagues and peers the world over.
These science communicators share their expertise, defy stereotypes, and reach diverse audiences.
Drs. Lataisia Jones and Ronda Hamm are among the history-making women whose statues are on display at the Smithsonian as part of #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit.
Scientific achievement requires diverse viewpoints and rapid innovation benefits from collaboration across the international scientific community. AWIS condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces – as well as all acts of violence and oppression.
For too long, we have had this stereotypical image in our head of who can be and what exactly is a scientist. No longer should those stereotypes stand, for anyone can be in STEM. Learn how we can increase the representation of underrepresented groups in STEM and emphasize that THIS IS WHAT A SCIENTIST LOOKS LIKE!
AWIS President Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister has a personal conversation with AWIS 2020 Pinnacle Awardee H.R.H. Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite about her role as a scientist, scholar, and humanitarian.
AWIS CEO Sandy Robert speaks with Karmyn Norwood, Vice President for the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions (AMMM) International Programs Line of Business at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Marietta, Georgia. K
Ever since AWIS was founded 50 years ago, we are still committed to our goal of advocating for gender equity.
Dr. Isabel Torres discusses the invisible structural barriers that silently push women in STEM away from their career track and explain why motherhood should be at the center of discussions and interventions to close the gender gap in STEM.
“We need to make sure that the pathway for future scientists is robust, that we have removed barriers and put in as many facilitators as possible.”
The 2021 Nobel Prize winners in the categories of physics, chemistry, physiology and medicine have been announced and none of the winners are women. We are deeply concerned about the lack of diversity among the recipients.
AWIS signed a letter drafted by IEEE asking the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy to extend P-2 Priority designation visas to technical professionals, engineers and scientists that are willing to come conduct research in the United States.
Until we are willing to acknowledge people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, we will not be able to create truly inclusive STEM communities.
An interview with Crystal R. Emery on broadening participation in science and medicine through innovative media and programs.
When microbiologists Ariangela Kozik, PhD and Kishana Taylor, PhD decided to launch #BlackInMicrobiology, they had no idea that in less than a year, they’d be at the helm of a nonprofit, taking their goals to the next level.
AWIS recognizes five chapters for stellar outreach, engagement, and advocacy in 2020 with ‘Shooting Star’ Chapter designation and monetary grants.
AWIS will be hosting Dr. Cathy O’Neil, who appears in the film Coded Bias, for a conversation to build awareness about the algorithms built by predominantly white, male teams that incorporate their unconscious biases and reinforce racist, sexist, and capitalistic injustice.
We know that many Asian Americans deal with racism daily – although it may not always be as visible or violent as we may think. In this article, AWIS recognizes and speaks out on the emotional toll these attacks have had on our Asian members, coworkers, neighbors, friends and family.
To help increase the diversity of patent holders, AWIS is hosting a panel of experts to share lessons learned.
Minda Harts, Founder of The Memo LLC and author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the
Cynthia Chapple, Founder of Black Girls Do STEM, is interviewed by AWIS member, Dr. Lataisia Jones.
Research by AWIS shows that women are consistently underrepresented among recipients of scholarly and research awards. However, this year, three of the ten Nobel Laureates in STEM were women.
An official selection of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, Picture a Scientist chronicles the journey of three women scientists and their experiences with overt harassment and implicit bias. It also includes supporting data and insights from twenty other science luminaries.
Activate is a non-profit which supports entrepreneurial scientists and engineers through a paid, two-year fellowship. In this case study, Activate reflects on its work with AWIS to improve its fellow recruitment outreach.
The third cohort of researchers will fuel investigations for the ARC Network.
For so many years, these students have neglected themselves to earn their degrees, often internalizing and desensitizing themselves to traumatic issues that have occurred for centuries. S.T.E.M.ING WHILE BLACK provides an outlet for these individuals to feel inspired and strong enough to work through every challenge presented.
At AWIS, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive scientific enterprise, which includes confronting racism. We encourage those in the scientific community, wherever they are, to take a stand against racism however they can.
In honor of Black History Month, BioSpace chose to highlight AWIS National Board President Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister and other African American leaders in the life sciences, individuals who have prominent roles in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical industry.
This AWIS Fact Sheet discusses methods to accelerate inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
“It was of course very disappointing,” said Dr. Heather Metcalf. “I definitely don’t think it’s a fair reflection of the contributions women have made to STEM.”
More women are earning STEM doctorates, but they still face unconscious bias and gaps in pay and research resources.
AWIS announced the recipients of its 2020 awards to recognize individuals, companies and organizations who are making significant contributions to increased workplace diversity, including placing women in leadership positions and advocating for more inclusive practices in STEM.
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AWIS research deepens the understanding of the leadership barriers STEM women face and steps to create more inclusive leadership cultures.
AWIS CEO Sandra W. Robert, CAE, issued the following statement in response to the announcement from National Institutes of Health Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, that called the STEM industry to shut down the widespread practice of hosting of #manels, panels with only men.
STEM to Market participant Dr. Maria Artunduaga won an NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, worth $225,000, for her innovative start-up.
A conversation with Salina Gray, Raquel Tamez, and Rochelle Williams as they focus on what its like to be a leader and woman of color.
In the survey, 83% of respondents had their judgement questioned in their area of expertise, and 70% had their accomplishments or ideas credited to someone else.
Research from the Association for Women in Science, analyzing 18 science societies with a total membership of about 500,000, found that men are disproportionately likely to win prizes celebrating their intellectual contributions, while women are disproportionately likely to win teaching awards.
This study found that while the department placed an emphasis on research, it did so in a way that, in conjunction with a lack of communication and transparency, devalued teaching and mentoring, and negatively impacted the professional development, education, and sense of belonging of the students.
In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister presented on why talent will be the key to global competitive advantage in STEM-driven economies at the UN international forum.
On the WIA Report, a new program aims to address the underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurial ventures.
Susan Windham-Bannister, PhD, National Governing Board President: “We must give women the tools to overcome challenges created & maintained by gender bias.”
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To the Seattle Business News, AWIS director of research and analysis Heather Metcalf, PhD, says implicit bias against women shows up at all stages of founding a startup, from the pipeline of women joining STEM fields to the way they appear to potential funders.
Building a brighter outlook for women in STEM is best accomplished by implementing innovative approaches to systemic change. AWIS research shows how intersectionality can achieve STEM equity.
“The Nobel Prize Committee has wrongfully normalized a climate that hinders advancement of women in STEM by failing to reward their achievements.”
Women’s businesses, despite being smaller & financed at a lower rate, achieve returns & revenue growth up to 3x higher than those created and led by men.
Written by editor-in-chief Alexandra Vollman, INSIGHT Into Diversity explores how the #MeToo movement has helped spark a fervent effort to transform the structure of scientific laboratories.
STEM advocate organization the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) has selected biopharma industry strategic advisor Susan Windham-Bannister to serve as president of its national governing board.
“Science and reason should ground sound policy recommendations, and the appointment of Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier as head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy should be no exception.”
In Nature Human Behaviour, Heather Metcalf illustrates historical notions of scientific inferiority underlie contemporary beliefs about scientific talent, or lack of it, in women and minority groups.
The article urges men to proactively curb gender inequities by adopting an open-minded and respectful manner when discussing structural norms and behaviors.
Women have long been underrepresented and underrecognized in mathematics disciplines, despite significant contributions they have made to the field.
As AWIS focuses on diversifying the workplace, they recognize unearned privileges in their and acts on inequalities by taking responsibility to end patterns of injustice.
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With women in STEM still experiencing inequalities in the workplace, AWIS offers some final recommendations for researchers seeking to broaden the science of broadening participation.
Women occupy too few leadership positions among STEM businesses, including healthcare companies, but it’s not a pipeline problem, according to new report from the Association for Women in Science.
GROWING UP IN Saudi Arabia, Aciel Eshky didn’t get the memo that science was for boys. When she was around 10 years old, her aunt started to teach her basic computer programming.
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) released its groundbreaking report, Revolutionizing the STEM Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, outlining systemic entrepreneurship barriers to opportunity and access for women in STEM.
The awards honor individuals, companies & organizations increasing workplace diversity, promoting women in leadership positions and advocating for inclusion.
Although progress has been made for women in the STEM fields, more can be done to increase their presence.
Heather Metcalf PhD is the Director of Research and Analysis for the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Accelerator and Project Lead for the STEM to Market project.
How to effectively conduct research on STEM workplaces from an intersectionality perspective remains a scientific grand challenge that, left unaddressed, inhibits our ability to understand and create equitable and inclusive STEM workplaces.
The State of Women in Engineering session was designed to shed light on some of the most important trends that are affecting the advancement of women in engineering, drawing from key research findings.
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AWIS National Governing Board President Dr. Lee-Karlon was honored for her leadership, support of and commitment to AWIS’ mission.
AWIS Director of Research and Analysis, Dr. Heather Metcalf, calls for science to clean up its act in her article published today in Scientific American.
As part of a collection of peer-reviewed articles addressing Women’s Under-representation in Engineering and Computing: Fresh Perspectives on a Complex Problem, AWIS Director of Research and her co-authors discuss their longitudinal research on academic computing culture and steps necessary for change.
To celebrate science and encourage the public—and politicians—to support scientific research and evidence, scientists and science lovers are taking to the streets.
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Fewer than a quarter of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs in the US are held by women.
This research methods Essay details the usefulness of critical theoretical frameworks and critical mixed-methodological approaches for life sciences education research on broadening participation in the life sciences.
Much research points to the myriad stratification, cultural barriers, stereotypes, micro-aggressions, and biases women and people from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds experience in STEM.
Have you ever found yourself alone in a crowded room? I don’t just mean feeling alone, but actually existing as the lone representation of your group, however you identify.
Focused on health and medical sciences, experts explore inclusive, fiscally-responsive systems to drive research and feed long-term economic growth.
SISTEM is the largest multi-disciplinary organization for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the US.
Comedian Chris Rock talked about not needing ‘his’ and ‘her’ acting awards. A British science competition begun just for girls became controversial when a boy won the top prize.
“The public proclamation [of the International Day] elevates the issues of advancing girls’ and women’s education and leadership in STEM fields…”