Global participation by women in science is growing but barriers to advancement remain

Women are increasingly prominent in scientific research. Yet they remain underrepresented in senior scientific positions, research leadership, and the most competitive areas of biomedical innovation. UNESCO and the World Economic Forum reported that only one in three researchers worldwide is a woman. Women account for 35% of STEM graduates, and fewer than 30% hold leadership roles in STEM industries.

With its established research infrastructure, internationalised academic environment, strong funding ecosystem, and long-standing commitment to gender equality, Hong Kong is widely recognised as one of Asia’s most supportive environments for developing women scientific talent. Women in Hong Kong also show high participation in higher education, substantial contributions to healthcare, and active engagement in international academic collaboration.

However, CU Medicine observes that female researchers–both globally and locally–continue to face systemic challenges that limit long-term career progression. These include the ongoing strain between research demands and family caregiving responsibilities, as well as gaps in early-career support.

WISE was created to address these issues through a holistic, sustainable framework that enables women researchers to thrive, lead, and shape Hong Kong’s future in biomedical sciences.

The four pillars of WISE

1. Research and career mentorship: WISE convenes senior CU Medicine faculty members and internationally recognised experts to provide tailored guidance on research strategy, grant development, global collaboration, and career progression.
2. Leadership and professional development: Through structured training in research management, ethics, scientific communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and competitive funding, WISE equips women scientists to excel–and lead–in both research and institutions.
3. Global exposure and collaboration: International visiting programmes, conference engagement, academic partnerships, and global research networks will expand participants’ horizons and deepen Hong Kong’s academic connectivity.
4. A supportive, inclusive research culture: WISE advances family-friendly policies, flexible research arrangements, and peer support communities to help women balance research, clinical responsibilities, and family care.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s talent pipeline and supporting national priorities

CU Medicine emphasises that WISE is of significant strategic value, strengthening Hong Kong’s ability to compete in the global race for scientific talent by attracting and nurturing outstanding women researchers in medicine, health, and the life sciences. It also closely aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s focus on innovation, technology, and talent development—enabling Hong Kong to contribute more proactively and meaningfully to the country’s overall innovation strategy.

Faculty Leadership: A Milestone for Gender Equity in Research

Professor Siew Chien Ng, Associate Dean (Research) of CU Medicine and Convenor of WISE, said: “Women scientists bring exceptional innovation, resilience, and leadership to research. Yet many still encounter barriers at key points in their academic journeys. WISE is designed to provide comprehensive, long-term support–so women researchers can thrive and lead on the global scientific stage.”

Professor Ng added: “Hong Kong offers distinctive advantages for women scientists, supported by a world-class higher education system, an increasingly inclusive research culture, and a steadfast commitment to gender equality. Together, these strengths create an environment in which women can pursue and advance research careers more effectively than many places in the region–fully realising their potential and contributing to local and global scientific development.”

Professor Siew Ng uses the metaphor of seed to describe young female scientists; CUHK serves as the soil, while CU Medicine provides the essential water and sunlight, enabling them to flourish and excel in their fields.

Programme ambassador: women scientists as drivers of innovation

Dr Shannon Chan, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and Ambassador of WISE, said: “Women are shaping scientific research, clinical innovation, and humanitarian work but the demands of research and frontline medical practice often require women to manage multiple responsibilities. WISE provides the structural support women need to advance their research–while continuing to grow professionally.”

Dr Shannon Chan says striking a balance between research commitments and family obligations is a significant hurdle for women in the scientific research field. She says familial support and proficient time management are vital to a sustainable development of a career in scientific research.

Future development: building an international network of women medical scientists

Over the coming years, CU Medicine will:

• Attract and nurture 100 leading women scientists through the Top 100 Women Talent Programme;
• Forge joint research and training partnerships with leading medical schools in Asia, Europe, and North America;
• Launch international visiting programmes for early-career women researchers;
• Build a global forum for women in medical science; and
• Host an annual Women in Science Leadership Summit in Hong Kong.

Together, these efforts will strengthen the global visibility, research impact, and international connectivity of women scientists–further cementing Hong Kong as a centre of excellence for biomedical research and women’s scientific leadership.