While many organisations have made great strides in diversity and inclusion in recent years, a significant gender gap persists in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Throughout the world, women working in science and technology are typically awarded smaller research grants than their male colleagues, and remain underrepresented in many fields:
- Women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates
- In cutting edge areas such as AI, only 22% of professionals are women
- 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics are women
- While women represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women
Gender equality across all STEM fields is vital for progression towards global health, environmental and social goals. That’s why, in 2015, the UN General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
As a female-founded business, mdgroup are proud to celebrate the incredible women working on our technological innovations, powering the movement towards truly patient-centric clinical trials that deliver remarkable patient experiences.
Let’s meet some of them…
Renju Gladen, QA Engineer
“I am a QA Engineer at mdgroup and my job is to find flaws! In short, I make sure that the end product delivered is of great quality and is working as it is meant to be.
“STEM is an enabler for innovation and achieving better and greater things. There are so many benefits of being in this sector including developing analytical and tactical thinking, which helps build identity and personality.
“Having young women in tech helps break stereotypes. Women are so capable of thinking out of the box and tackling challenges in routine activities, and STEM is a great platform to enhance these skills.
“The world today revolves around science, technology, engineering and maths — and we cannot achieve global success if half of the world’s talent is excluded!”
Rashmi Bhat, Scrum Master & Agile Coach
“I am a Scrum Master and Agile Coach at mdgroup, working with our IT development teams. I am accountable for establishing Scrum and helping everyone understand Scrum theory and practice, both within the Scrum Team and the wider organisation. This is how help ensure we deliver the products that our clients need.
“Studying and working in STEM means learning about the world around you and finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges. STEM is important because it teaches critical thinking skills and instills a passion for innovation. Being part of evolving technology makes me feel that I am contributing and serving the world.”
Kate Ellis, Senior Project Manager
“As a Senior Project Manager at mdgroup, I support with governance across the business to ensure we only invest in compliant processes and solutions that help towards delivering a more remarkable offering and experience for our clients, health care professionals and patients. When technology is identified as a solution to a client need, I act as a conduit between the wider organisation and the technology teams. My key responsibilities are to ensure what we need operationally is indeed what is developed by the technology team, that it is fully compliant and that the process is managed in a clear and agile fashion.
“Working in STEM means always being prepared to learn new things and being ready to embrace change. Technology is constantly evolving at such a fast rate, and we need to follow that same mentality when working in tech. True innovation comes from always thinking about creating better ways of working for everyone. Working in a STEM role allows me to contribute to something way bigger than myself, and as a result have a positive impact on clinical research and the wider world.”
