• Question: Are you ever not taken seriously as a female scientist? Or not as seriously as if a man says something

    Asked by highpriestesswill to Adam, Catherine, Karen, Leila, Nazim on 15 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Adam Stevens

      Adam Stevens answered on 15 Mar 2012:

      I definitely don’t get taken seriously as a female scientist because it means I’ve been cross-dressing.

    • Photo: Leila Battison

      Leila Battison answered on 15 Mar 2012:

      Yes, sometimes, and it can be so annoying, but you have to try to be mature about it.

      A lot of the older scientists especially seem a bit confused and irritated that women are doing everything than men are doing, but it is quite rare, and there is nothing they can really do to stop your progress. It can hurt your feelings though, but I just think they’re being silly and not listen to them. Being a girl doesn’t make me any worse at being a scientist than them.

    • Photo: Catherine Rix

      Catherine Rix answered on 15 Mar 2012:

      I’ve never experienced this in my career, thankfully.

    • Photo: Karen Masters

      Karen Masters answered on 15 Mar 2012:

      I think sometimes a little bit if I’m honest.

      Up until I finished my PhD I never felt that I had any problems. It’s only as I get more senior that I start to wonder a bit.

      But this won’t improve until there are more female scientists – and until we talk about it more.

      Adam – I can’t believe you even answered this question. Take a break man! 😉

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