Girls ‘not smart enough’ for science
2 Oct 2015
Almost a third (32%) of girls aged 11-16 do not think they are clever enough to become scientists, according to new research.
The research, conducted by YouGov of behalf of EDF Energy, also suggests that boys of the same age are five times more likely to want to pursue a career in engineering.
The study marked the launch of EDF Energy’s #PrettyCurious campaign which is designed to inspire more girls to consider science-based careers, while improving their career options.
It’s important that we support today’s young people, nurturing their curiosity, encouraging them to pursue their passion and find the right fit for them
Biochemist Liz Bonnin
Head of strategic resourcing at EDF Energy Helen Wollaston said: “[The campaign is] part of a long-term commitment from EDF Energy to improve the ratio of women to men in the company as well as inspire 100,000 young people into science.”
EDF Energy polled 2,167 young people, of which 1,040 were female, and found a lack of visible role models for young girls, with just 29% having any connection to women that work in a science and engineering.
The poll also reveals the ‘Top 10’ inspirational scientists as named by all girls surveyed. Of that list only two are female, with Marie Curie polling third on 12%, behind Albert Einstein (18%) and Stephen Hawking (21%).
The #PrettyCurious campaign, which launched yesterday, will introduce young girls exclusively to female role models, each of which have careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Liz Bonnin, a biochemist and campaign role model, said: “There is no area of our lives that isn’t affected by science meaning that there’s a STEM subject and career out there for everyone, whether you’re analytical or more creative.
“It’s important that we support today’s young people, nurturing their curiosity, encouraging them to pursue their passion and find the right fit for them, so that in the future they can embark on fulfilling and exciting careers and help shape the world around them.”
Skills issues have plagued the science and engineering community for several years, with surveys often revealing the low percentage of females in the industry (6%).
