The work and career experiences of women with mental health issues in STEM research and innovation
Led by Prof Dulini Fernando at Aston University in Birmingham, with co-investigators Prof Elina Meliou at Brunel University London and Dr Krystal Wilkinson at Manchester Metropolitan University with partners Mind in Hillingdon , the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) campaign and the Women in Academia Support Network (WIASN).
The UK’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce comprises 2.8 million people (ONS, 2022), around a quarter of which are women (Statista, 2023). There are varied research and innovation roles in universities and industry. Mental health issues (MHI) are common within the STEM workforce, connected to various occupational factors including performance metrics and competition, precarity, and cultures of presenteeism and bullying. Women face additional challenges in STEM fields due to under-representation, stereotypes and barriers to progression, and are especially susceptible to mental issues in this context. MHI in STEM were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which increased demands for many in both the work and home domains, and affected existing support systems. Through a co-designed research approach centred around 50 in-depth interviews with women in STEM (at different career stages) who have experienced MHI, this study aims to understand their lived experience at the intersection of their MHI, work and careers. The study will explore the impact of the covid-19 pandemic; illuminate diversity in experiences linked to ethnicity and other identity facets; and aid understanding of the supports (formal and informal) that prove useful. Ultimately, the project will co-design interventions to facilitate the work experience and career progression of women professionals in STEM research and innovation.
Full Economic Costing (FEC) £103,168.77 (80% £82,535.02)