The forecast for women researchers in higher education in the UK shows a steady increase from 2024 to 2028, with figures growing from 179.32 thousand in 2024 to 188.77 thousand in 2028. This represents a cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 1.3% per annum over the five-year forecast period. Prior to 2024, the data indicated a consistent upward trend in the number of women researchers.
Year-on-year variations reveal a gradual increase, indicative of efforts to enhance gender diversity in research roles. From 2023 to 2024, a notable rise was observed, setting a positive precedent for the subsequent years.
Future trends that warrant attention include the impact of policy changes aimed at promoting gender equality in the academic sphere, technological innovations in research that might attract more women, and the role of these researchers in interdisciplinary studies. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for understanding the dynamics of female representation in the academic research landscape.
