CWAST: Supporting women scientists in China 

Although 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 (Gender in the China Research Area, Elsevier and the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2023). 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).   

Our collaboration with China Women’s Association for Science and Technology (CWAST) focuses on local challenges and investing in career development for women scientists. The partnership aims to support early career female researchers in China by providing discipline specific networks, resources and training. Collaborative Women in Science workshops will be conducted along with Elsevier conferences starting in July 2024 — helping to empower female scientists and narrow the gender disparity in science research in China. 

China Women’s Association for Science and Technology (CWAST), originally established as the China Women Scientists Network 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. CWAST aims to enhance the role and status of women in science in China by fostering members’ professional growth, facilitating education and training programs, and organizing scientific forums. The association actively promotes collaboration and exchange among women scientists domestically and internationally, with the guidance of its current president, Professor Hongyang Wang.