Empowering and connecting women scientists in China with CWAST Women in Science workshops 

According to Gender in the China Research Area published by Elsevier and the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, despite the gender gap in the promotion of Chinese researchers is closing, more women hit a “Glass Ceiling” in their career progression and experienced a greater barrier in their promotion to senior positions. Women researchers receive only 10% of funding and represent only 5% of academic staff at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (South China Morning Post, July 2021).   

In May 2024, the Elsevier Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Women’s Association for Science and Technology (CWAST) to support early career female researchers in China. This partnership is designed to provide broader platforms and discipline-specific networks and resources for Chinese women scientists — helping to narrow the gender disparity for women scientists in China through targeted training, role modelling and networking.  

China Women’s Association for Science and Technology (CWAST), established in 1993, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women scientists in China. It is also a member of the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women. By fostering members’ professional growth, facilitating education and training programs, and organizing scientific forums, CWAST aims to enhance the role of women in science in China. The association actively promotes collaboration and exchange among women scientists domestically and internationally, with the guidance of its current president, Professor Hongyang Wang.  

“I think science is a field worth challenging for women. In the knowledge society of the 21st century, intuition and tenacity are more important than physical strength. From this point of view, women are better than men.” 

  —— Professor Wei Yu, Honorary President in the Third session of CWAST Council 

On July 7, our first CWAST-Elsevier Foundation Women in Science workshop was held along with Elsevier’s ISPT conference in Zhengzhou, China. The workshop provided a space for women scientists to exchange ideas, get inspired by role models- and receive career development support. In the panel discussion, Professor Qilin Li from Rice University, Professor Raquel Aires-Barros from University of Lisbon, and professor Qun Xu from Zhengzhou University shared their authentic and inspiring life stories as women researchers. They also answered questions from the audience to help strengthen participant’s confidence as early career researchers.  

“It is amazing to meet so many young and talented women scientists and engineers working on chemical and biological separation. I hope workshops like this can encourage more women to pursue a research career and help them overcome common challenges faced by female researchers.”

—— Professor Qilin Li, Rice University 

In 2024, the Elsevier Foundation and the CWAST will pilot two more Women in Science workshops together at Elsevier Conferences in China:   

1. ECSA 60: Implementing Science-Based Coastal Restoration Solutions and Strategies   
   • Location: Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Binjiang Hotel   
   • Date: September 2-5, 2024   
   • City: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province   
     
2. Ecological Summit 2024: Ecological Civilization for a Sustainable and Ideal Future   
   • Location: North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power   
   • Date: December 15-19, 2024   
   • City: Zhengzhou, Henan Province 

All women participants from the conferences are free and welcomed to join. Stay tuned for further updates on these events.