Prime Highlights:
- Women scientists across Europe are driving important breakthroughs in healthcare and biotechnology, including advancements in breast cancer testing and mRNA research.
- Experts say increasing recognition and opportunities for women could strengthen innovation and research outcomes across Europe.
Key Facts:
- Women made up only 13.8 percent of inventors in Europe in 2022, according to a report by the European Patent Office.
- In medical and health sciences, women represent about 54 percent of all researchers in the European Union.
Background:
Women across Europe are making key contributions to healthcare and biotechnology, but they remain underrepresented among inventors. A report by the European Patent Office found that women made up only 13.8 percent of inventors in Europe in 2022.
The figure has increased from just two percent in the late 1970s and 13 percent in 2019, but experts say the change remains limited. Roberta Romano-Götsch, chief sustainability officer and spokesperson at the EPO, said gender gaps exist throughout the innovation system, from university education to leadership roles and start-up creation.
Even so, several women researchers have played key roles in recent medical breakthroughs. Rochelle Niemeijer developed a portable artificial intelligence-based test kit that helps doctors quickly detect bacterial infections. Laura van’t Veer and her research team developed a gene-based test that checks the risk of breast cancer returning. It helps doctors decide which patients need chemotherapy and which can avoid it.
Women researchers also focus strongly on health issues that have traditionally received limited attention. Research on endometriosis, menstrual health, and menopause is gaining more attention, largely due to the work of women scientists.
Even though more women are entering science, many still face challenges as they move forward in their careers. Experts describe this problem as the “leaky pipeline,” where women are well represented during education but become fewer in senior roles and leadership positions over time.
Data shows that women now make up a large part of Europe’s scientific workforce. The number of female scientists and engineers in the European Union has increased from 3.4 million in 2008 to 7.9 million in 2024. In medical and health sciences, women account for about 54 percent of all researchers.
However, recognition is still a challenge. According to Roberta Romano-Götsch from the European Patent Office, the “Matilda effect” continues to affect women in science.
Experts say that closing this gap could help Europe’s innovation grow by bringing in more talent, diverse ideas, and stronger research teams.
