In theory, gender should make little difference to a career in research. The UK has well established principles of equal opportunities and legislation on pay equality between men and women. Institutions will usually build on this framework with their own policies to support women in the workplace.
However, in practice many disciplines have a gender imbalance. Typically, this becomes more pronounced the further you move up the career ladder.
Being female in a male dominated environment can sometimes work in your favour and help you to stand out from the crowd. However it can also create isolation. It can sometimes mean that you are excluded from certain types of networking activities such as male-only sports events.
Your institution’s mentoring scheme may be able to help you. Several universities now have schemes which are specially tailored towards the requirements of women in academia. There may also be institution-wide networks of female academics and researchers where you can find support. The Cambridge Association for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine is a good example.
Women in science, engineering and technology (SET)
The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology works to improve the participation and status of women in SET occupations. It provides information and advisory services and supports women at all levels in these fields, including those returning to work after maternity or career breaks.
There are several initiatives to encourage good employment practice in the scientific and technological disciplines. Any university or research institute which is committed to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in SET can apply for an Athena SWAN award. The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme which recognises excellence in employment for SET women in higher education and research. There are also a number of discipline-specific schemes such as the Royal Society of Chemistry’s guide “Planning for Success: Good Practice in University Science Departments” and the Institute of Physics’s Juno Programme
In general gender makes the most difference when you become a parent.