Career blocks for female scientists put under scrutiny
It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality
A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector.
The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women.
When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options.
Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said.
"This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said.
Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant.
"Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said.
"It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people."
Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career.
Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says.
He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave.
"Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said.
"Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost."
Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive.
"(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said.
In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research.
This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project.
They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research.
Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely.
It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality
A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector.
The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women.
When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options.
Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said.
"This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said.
Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant.
"Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said.
"It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people."
Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career.
Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says.
He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave.
"Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said.
"Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost."
Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive.
"(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said.
In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research.
This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project.
They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research.
Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely.
It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality
A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector.
The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women.
When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options.
Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said.
"This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said.
Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant.
"Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said.
"It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people."
Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career.
Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says.
He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave.
"Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said.
"Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost."
Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive.
"(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said.
In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research.
This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project.
They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research.
Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely.
It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality
A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector.
The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women.
When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options.
Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said.
"This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said.
Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant.
"Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said.
"It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people."
Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career.
Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says.
He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave.
"Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said.
"Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost."
Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive.
"(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said.
In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research.
This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project.
They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research.
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The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- The Advertiser
USAID cuts may cause over 14 million additional deaths
Deep funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal. President Donald Trump's administration has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the US government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending. The research was published on Monday, the same day former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush delivered rare open criticism of the Trump administration - and singer Bono recited a poem - in an emotional video farewell with staffers of the USAID. Obama called the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID "a colossal mistake". Speaking in a recorded statement, he offered assurances to the aid and development workers. "Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he told them. Monday was the last day as an independent agency for the six-decade-old humanitarian and development organisation, created by president John F Kennedy as a peaceful way of promoting US national security by boosting goodwill and prosperity abroad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered USAID absorbed into the State Department from Tuesday. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs had prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children. Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts - combined with the potential dismantling of the agency - could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than five, the study said. Washington is the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38 per cent of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $US61 billion ($A93 billion) in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the study said. USAID was one of the first and most fiercely targeted for government-cutting by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, with staffers abruptly locked out of systems and offices and terminated by mass emailing. Trump claimed the agency was run by "radical left lunatics" and rife with "tremendous fraud." Musk called it "a criminal organisation." Rubio said the Trump administration cancelled over 80 per cent of all programs at USAID following a six-week review. The remaining approximately 1000 programs, he said, would now be administered "more effectively" under the US State Department and in consultation with Congress. with AP Deep funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal. President Donald Trump's administration has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the US government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending. The research was published on Monday, the same day former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush delivered rare open criticism of the Trump administration - and singer Bono recited a poem - in an emotional video farewell with staffers of the USAID. Obama called the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID "a colossal mistake". Speaking in a recorded statement, he offered assurances to the aid and development workers. "Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he told them. Monday was the last day as an independent agency for the six-decade-old humanitarian and development organisation, created by president John F Kennedy as a peaceful way of promoting US national security by boosting goodwill and prosperity abroad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered USAID absorbed into the State Department from Tuesday. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs had prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children. Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts - combined with the potential dismantling of the agency - could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than five, the study said. Washington is the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38 per cent of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $US61 billion ($A93 billion) in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the study said. USAID was one of the first and most fiercely targeted for government-cutting by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, with staffers abruptly locked out of systems and offices and terminated by mass emailing. Trump claimed the agency was run by "radical left lunatics" and rife with "tremendous fraud." Musk called it "a criminal organisation." Rubio said the Trump administration cancelled over 80 per cent of all programs at USAID following a six-week review. The remaining approximately 1000 programs, he said, would now be administered "more effectively" under the US State Department and in consultation with Congress. with AP Deep funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal. President Donald Trump's administration has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the US government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending. The research was published on Monday, the same day former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush delivered rare open criticism of the Trump administration - and singer Bono recited a poem - in an emotional video farewell with staffers of the USAID. Obama called the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID "a colossal mistake". Speaking in a recorded statement, he offered assurances to the aid and development workers. "Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he told them. Monday was the last day as an independent agency for the six-decade-old humanitarian and development organisation, created by president John F Kennedy as a peaceful way of promoting US national security by boosting goodwill and prosperity abroad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered USAID absorbed into the State Department from Tuesday. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs had prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children. Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts - combined with the potential dismantling of the agency - could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than five, the study said. Washington is the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38 per cent of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $US61 billion ($A93 billion) in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the study said. USAID was one of the first and most fiercely targeted for government-cutting by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, with staffers abruptly locked out of systems and offices and terminated by mass emailing. Trump claimed the agency was run by "radical left lunatics" and rife with "tremendous fraud." Musk called it "a criminal organisation." Rubio said the Trump administration cancelled over 80 per cent of all programs at USAID following a six-week review. The remaining approximately 1000 programs, he said, would now be administered "more effectively" under the US State Department and in consultation with Congress. with AP Deep funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal. President Donald Trump's administration has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the US government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending. The research was published on Monday, the same day former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush delivered rare open criticism of the Trump administration - and singer Bono recited a poem - in an emotional video farewell with staffers of the USAID. Obama called the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID "a colossal mistake". Speaking in a recorded statement, he offered assurances to the aid and development workers. "Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he told them. Monday was the last day as an independent agency for the six-decade-old humanitarian and development organisation, created by president John F Kennedy as a peaceful way of promoting US national security by boosting goodwill and prosperity abroad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered USAID absorbed into the State Department from Tuesday. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs had prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children. Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts - combined with the potential dismantling of the agency - could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than five, the study said. Washington is the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38 per cent of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $US61 billion ($A93 billion) in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the study said. USAID was one of the first and most fiercely targeted for government-cutting by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, with staffers abruptly locked out of systems and offices and terminated by mass emailing. Trump claimed the agency was run by "radical left lunatics" and rife with "tremendous fraud." Musk called it "a criminal organisation." Rubio said the Trump administration cancelled over 80 per cent of all programs at USAID following a six-week review. The remaining approximately 1000 programs, he said, would now be administered "more effectively" under the US State Department and in consultation with Congress. with AP
Perth Now
01-07-2025
- Perth Now
USAID cuts may cause over 14 million additional deaths
Deep funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development and its potential dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal. President Donald Trump's administration has made funding cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide in what the US government says is part of its broader plan to remove wasteful spending. The research was published on Monday, the same day former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush delivered rare open criticism of the Trump administration - and singer Bono recited a poem - in an emotional video farewell with staffers of the USAID. Obama called the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID "a colossal mistake". Speaking in a recorded statement, he offered assurances to the aid and development workers. "Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he told them. Monday was the last day as an independent agency for the six-decade-old humanitarian and development organisation, created by president John F Kennedy as a peaceful way of promoting US national security by boosting goodwill and prosperity abroad. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered USAID absorbed into the State Department from Tuesday. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. The study estimated that over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs had prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children. Projections suggest that ongoing deep funding cuts - combined with the potential dismantling of the agency - could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths among children younger than five, the study said. Washington is the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38 per cent of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $US61 billion ($A93 billion) in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the study said. USAID was one of the first and most fiercely targeted for government-cutting by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, with staffers abruptly locked out of systems and offices and terminated by mass emailing. Trump claimed the agency was run by "radical left lunatics" and rife with "tremendous fraud." Musk called it "a criminal organisation." Rubio said the Trump administration cancelled over 80 per cent of all programs at USAID following a six-week review. The remaining approximately 1000 programs, he said, would now be administered "more effectively" under the US State Department and in consultation with Congress. with AP
The Advertiser
26-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Career blocks for female scientists put under scrutiny
Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely. It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector. The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women. When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options. Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said. "This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said. Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant. "Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said. "It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people." Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career. Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says. He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave. "Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said. "Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost." Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive. "(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said. In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research. This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project. They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research. Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely. It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector. The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women. When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options. Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said. "This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said. Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant. "Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said. "It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people." Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career. Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says. He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave. "Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said. "Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost." Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive. "(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said. In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research. This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project. They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research. Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely. It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector. The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women. When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options. Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said. "This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said. Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant. "Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said. "It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people." Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career. Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says. He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave. "Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said. "Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost." Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive. "(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said. In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research. This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project. They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research. Gender discrimination, ageism and lack of job security are among the obstacles causing many female science researchers to exit the sector prematurely. It's estimated Australia could lose up to 40 per cent of its cancer research workforce unless changes are made to address gender equality A national survey of 200 female researchers found numerous career barriers are pushing people out of the sector. The study, from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and biotech firm Amgen, showed more than half of the researchers faced gender discrimination, while 90 per cent identified greater need for cancer research specifically for women. When asked about the strongest means for retention, 75 per cent said the availability of supportive mentors was important and 68 per cent called for flexible work options. Australia was losing brilliant scientists because of systemic issues that needed fixing, ACRF chief executive Kerry Strydom said. "This study paints a clear picture: many of the incredible women dedicated to finding better options for treatment, detection and prevention of cancer are facing uphill battles that hinder their progress and even force them out of the field," she said. Award-winning scientist and Macquarie University leader Noushin Nasiri said the consequences for the quality and impact of cancer research due to the loss of female researchers would be significant. "Women have different problem-solving perspectives and usually have a strong focus on patient-centred care which is absolutely critical for the cancer field," she said. "It's not a 'nice to have' - women are fundamentally needed in research and can significantly change and shape the way we do science to ensure it serves people." Career breaks due to maternity leave and a lack of flexibility following their return to the workplace were also driving women out mid-career. Female researchers who take maternity leave struggle because of the gaps in publication and research history, Amgen Australia country medical director Cae Tolman says. He said the survey revealed examples of women having to provide their baby's birth certificate in grant applications to justify their maternity leave. "Very few roles in the sector are tenured and the saying is 'you're only as good as your most recent grant and publication'," he said. "Every woman who leaves cancer research is a potential breakthrough lost." Research is also highly competitive, with many scientists seeking the same funding grants to keep their projects alive. "(Survey respondents) felt like career breaks could be really detrimental to them in the future and their competitiveness for funding," ACRF general manager Carly du Toit said. In response to the survey, ACRF and Amgen have launched initiatives to help support women in cancer research. This includes a three-year grant specifically for women in cancer research, worth $100,000 per year, who are part of an ACRF-funded project. They are also launching of an industry-specific webinar series designed to provide positive role models, guidance and support for women to further their careers in cancer research.
