[EUGAIN] Booklet: Best Practices from Bachelor's/Master's Studies to Ph.D.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Abstract

Informatics attracts fewer women than men, and the percentage of women decreases with advancing academic stages. This phenomenon, often called the “leaky pipeline” (Clark Blickenstaff 2005), is evident from a significant drop-off in the proportion of women completing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Informatics compared to those finishing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree, both in Europe and the United States. The declines between educational levels showcase the field’s challenge with retaining and progressing female students. According to Informatics Europe’s figures (Informatics Europe 2023), in Europe, around 20% of the Informatics Ph.D. diplomas have been awarded to female students since 2010/2011, with minimal yearly variations – 19.1%, in 2021/2022. While the percentage of women pursuing a Ph.D. in Informatics has stalled, there are small signs of progress at the master’s level. Over the past decade, the proportion of female students completing a master’s in Informatics has slowly but steadily grown – from 19.5% in2010/2011 to 27.6% in 2021/2022. This steady growth contrasts with undergraduate degrees, where women earning bachelor’s degrees in Informatics have edged up slower, from 17.2% to 21.1% over that same period. On average, only 20% of undergraduate Informatics degrees are awarded to women. Notably, female students enrolling in Informatics programmes demonstrate strong persistence, regardless of degree. The share of enrolled female students earning a final degree is higher than the initial female enrolment percentages at both M.Sc. and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) levels. Though far from parity, these high completion rates for enrolled women underscore their tenacity in Informatics programmes despite substantial gender imbalance. Sustaining the upward momentum, though incremental, will be vital in narrowing these gaps. The comparatively higher percentage of female students completing their M.Sc. in Informatics could suggest a bigger pool of potential Ph.D. candidates. Yet, the evolution of female Ph.D. Informatics candidates is essentially stagnant, starkly contrasting with the encouraging evolution observed for those studying for M.Sc. degrees. Ph.D. programmes in Informatics are pivotal in shaping a resilient, versatile, and inclusive future for technology. Prioritising diversity and empowering women pursuing doctoral studies in Informatics goes beyond addressing equality; it catalyses untapped potential, contributing to a more vibrant future for the industry and society. This guidebook highlights the primary obstacles and prospects associated with attracting female Ph.D. candidates to embark on a journey in Informatics. We highlight initiatives targeted at helping women decide if a Ph.D. in Informatics is a good option for them. We also delve into the best practices and hurdles in retaining these students throughout their doctoral studies.

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