Research by Mothers in Science shows that more than one-third of mothers in STEMM experience maternity bias (also called ‘maternal wall bias’) in the workplace. Fathers who are actively involved in caregiving often face stigma, too. But how prevalent are these biases in STEMM? And do they really affect parents’ careers?

In this event, Dr. Isabel Torres, CEO and co-founder of Mothers in Science, shared data exposing maternity bias in STEMM and its profound effects on the careers of mothers. She also shared real testimonials of mothers (and fathers) who have experienced these biases. These powerful data and shocking testimonials are a wake-up call for leaders and decision-makers that our system is broken.

Through our new #BreakTheBiasSTEMM campaign, we’re uniting a global community to raise awareness of maternity bias and parenthood stigma in STEMM to demand real change.

SPEAKER:
Dr Isabel Torres is the co-founder and CEO of Mothers in Science. After earning her PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge and completing a postdoc in the UK, she moved to France, where she worked for several years as a science communicator, writer and editor/consultant before founding Mothers in Science in 2019. She is a recognised expert on caregiver inclusion and gender inequity in STEMM, leading multinational collaborations and global research that has shaped policy discussions within the research community. As a scientist, solo mother-of-4, and advocate, Isabel is a powerful voice for caregivers worldwide, dedicated to dismantling the motherhood penalty and advancing gender equality.