Navigating the Landscape of Women in STEM in UK Higher Education

In the United Kingdom's higher education sector, women continue to make strides in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, yet significant gaps persist. According to recent data, women and non-binary individuals comprise about 31% of students enrolled in core STEM subjects at UK universities, with physical sciences showing stronger representation at 44% compared to just 21% in engineering and technology. Graduation rates hover around 27% for core STEM, reflecting retention challenges influenced by factors like imposter syndrome, which affects 61% of women in these programs. In the academic workforce, women hold 48.6% of overall academic positions but only 30.8% of professorships as of 2022/23, with even lower figures in STEM professoriates.

Despite these hurdles, progress is evident. The STEM workforce includes 26% women, up from previous years, driven by initiatives like the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships offering fully funded master's degrees at top UK universities. Prestigious awards, such as the 2026 Blavatnik Awards—all won by women—highlight emerging talent at institutions like Imperial College London and University College London (UCL). These efforts underscore the vital role of UK universities in fostering female leadership in STEM research and innovation.

1. Kay-Tee Khaw: Pioneering Healthy Aging Research at Cambridge

Professor Kay-Tee Khaw, Professor of Clinical Gerontology at the University of Cambridge, tops the list of leading female scientists in the UK with an extraordinary D-index of 221 and over 211,000 citations. A Fellow of Gonville & Caius College, Khaw's groundbreaking work focuses on epidemiology and public health, particularly the determinants of healthy aging and chronic disease prevention. She leads the EPIC-Norfolk study, a landmark prospective cohort tracking 25,000 participants to uncover lifestyle factors influencing longevity. Awarded a CBE and the Bissett Hawkins Medal from the Royal College of Physicians, her research has shaped national health policies on physical activity, diet, and cardiovascular risk. At Cambridge, Khaw mentors the next generation, emphasizing population-based approaches to extend healthy lifespan. Her contributions exemplify how women in STEM at elite UK universities drive real-world impact through rigorous, large-scale studies.

2. Debbie A. Lawlor: Epidemiology Trailblazer at Bristol

Ranking second, Professor Debbie A. Lawlor at the University of Bristol boasts a D-index of 185 and 162,000 citations. As an MRC Investigator and British Heart Foundation Chair, Lawlor's research explores early life origins of adult health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease. She directs the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a world-renowned birth cohort providing insights into intergenerational health determinants. Lawlor's work integrates genetics, epidemiology, and social sciences, influencing policies on maternal health and childhood nutrition. Her leadership in Bristol's Population Health Sciences has elevated the university's global profile in STEM, while she champions inclusive research environments for women.

3. Marjo-Riitta Järvelin: Imperial's Genetic Epidemiology Expert

Marjo-Riitta Järvelin, with a D-index of 185 at Imperial College London, specializes in genetic epidemiology and birth cohort studies. Her Northern Finland Birth Cohort has yielded pivotal discoveries on complex diseases, linking genetics to environmental factors. Järvelin's interdisciplinary approach bridges medicine and data science, advancing personalized healthcare. At Imperial, she leads initiatives fostering women in STEM, contributing to the university's reputation for translational research.

4. Barbara J. Sahakian: Cambridge's Neuroscience Innovator

Barbara J. Sahakian, University of Cambridge, holds a D-index of 166. A pioneer in cognitive neuroscience, she studies brain function in health and disease, developing cognitive enhancers for conditions like ADHD and dementia. Sahakian's 'Cool Kids' program promotes mental health in schools, while her work on neuroethics shapes AI and pharmacology policy. As Chair of Neuroethics at Cambridge, she mentors female researchers, breaking barriers in male-dominated fields.

5. Carol Brayne: Public Health Luminary at Cambridge

Carol Brayne (D-index 163, Cambridge) focuses on dementia epidemiology. Leading the Cambridge Alzheimer’s Disease Research Programme, her research on population prevalence and risk factors informs global strategies. Brayne's advocacy for brain health integrates social determinants, enhancing UK higher education's role in aging research.

6-10: Trailblazers Shaping UK STEM Research

Completing the top 10: Caroline Hayward (Edinburgh, genetics, D-index 161), Claudia Langenberg (Cambridge, metabolism), Joanna M. Wardlaw (Edinburgh, neuroimaging), Janet M. Thornton (EBI, bioinformatics), and Angela Vincent (Oxford, neuroimmunology). These professors lead transformative projects—from genomic studies to AI-driven brain imaging—at premier UK institutions, amassing hundreds of thousands of citations collectively. Their work not only advances knowledge but inspires students via platforms like Rate My Professor, where aspiring researchers review and learn from such leaders.

• Hayward's genetic cohorts reveal disease mechanisms.
• Langenberg's metabolic research tackles diabetes epidemics.
• Wardlaw's stroke imaging improves diagnostics.
• Thornton's bioinformatics tools power drug discovery.
• Vincent's autoimmune neurology breakthroughs aid treatments.

Rising Stars: 2026 Blavatnik Award Winners

Emerging talents shine through the 2026 Blavatnik Awards, all female laureates: Thi Hoang Duong Nguyen (MRC LMB, telomerase/cancer), Maxie Roessler (Imperial, bioinorganic chemistry), and Paola Pinilla (UCL, astrophysics/planet formation). Each received £100,000 unrestricted funding, signaling a bright future for women in UK STEM academia.

Explore career paths inspired by them at higher ed career advice.

Challenges Facing Women in UK STEM Universities

Despite achievements, barriers remain: underrepresentation in engineering (21% students) and IT (19% workforce), gender pay gaps (men earn 10% more in unis), and leadership shortages (women lead 29% top unis). Imposter syndrome and work-life balance hinder progression. UK universities address this via Athena SWAN charters and targeted funding.

Initiatives Driving Change in UK Higher Education

Programs like Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships support early-career women, while UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships promote independence. British Council scholarships fund international women for UK master's, boosting diversity. For opportunities, visit scholarships and higher ed jobs.

Photo by Lindsey LaMont on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A More Inclusive STEM Landscape

With rising enrolments and awards, UK universities are poised for parity. Projections suggest continued growth, but sustained investment in mentoring and policy is key. Women like those profiled are role models, paving paths for students eyeing university jobs or lecturer jobs. Engage via rate my professor to connect with mentors.

Check how to become a university lecturer for STEM career tips.