The Women in
STEM
Network
Professional connection across disciplines, regions and career stages
The Women in STEM Network exists to help women build, sustain and progress through careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our work is focused on women because unequal access, representation and progression remain real across many STEM fields, but our community is not built on the exclusion of others.
We welcome people who share our commitment to fair opportunity, professional respect and stronger STEM communities. That includes women working or studying in STEM, people returning to work, students, researchers, leaders, mentors, employers and allies.
Supporting women is not a zero-sum exercise. Addressing barriers that affect one group does not require diminishing another. Better access to skills, networks, mentoring and professional opportunities strengthens the STEM workforce as a whole.
Membership is open to anyone who supports the purpose of The Women in STEM Network and agrees to participate respectfully.
You may be:
You do not need to hold a particular job title, qualification or level of seniority to belong here.
We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, nationality, disability, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities or career stage.
People within our community will hold different experiences and opinions. Difference is welcome, but participation must remain respectful. Harassment, discrimination, personal abuse and conduct that undermines the safety or dignity of others are not acceptable.
Freedom to hold a view does not remove responsibility for how that view is expressed or how other people are treated.
Talent and potential should not be overlooked because of background, identity, caring responsibilities, career breaks or access to influential networks.
Professional decisions should be based on relevant ability, evidence and contribution. We also recognise that people do not always begin with equal access to opportunities through which merit can be demonstrated.
STEM develops through questioning, testing ideas and considering problems from different perspectives. Constructive disagreement can strengthen a community when it is handled with respect.
We work to improve access to professional networks, mentoring, learning, visibility and career-development opportunities, particularly where established systems have not served everyone equally.
Members do not need to share the same background, identity, career ambitions or opinions. Our shared purpose matters more than personal uniformity.
The experience of working in STEM differs between countries, cultures, disciplines and career stages. We create opportunities to learn across those differences without assuming that one experience represents everyone.
LGBT+ people contribute across every area of STEM, but workplace culture, professional visibility and progression are not experienced equally by everyone.
We have brought together research, educational initiatives and professional networks for individuals, employers and institutions seeking practical information and support.
Explore LGBT+ inclusion in STEM resources
STEM organisations need skilled people who can contribute, develop and remain within their professions. Talent is lost when capable people cannot access opportunities, do not feel able to participate fully or conclude that progression is unavailable to them.
Inclusion therefore affects more than representation. It influences retention, leadership, collaboration and the range of knowledge available when important decisions are made.
The Women in STEM Network will continue to develop its approach as our membership grows and as we learn from the people who take part. Belonging cannot be created by a statement alone. It depends on what people experience when they enter a community, contribute to it and ask to be heard.