Juggling Motherhood and Science

With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be thinking about all the support and joys your mother has provided you throughout your life. But it’s also important to recognize the struggles she may have faced, particularly if she’s also a scientist.

A study has reported the unfortunate reality that nearly half of new mothers leave full-time employment in STEM after having children. Many mothers find it difficult to reconcile caregiving responsibilities with their career, while others feel pushed out by the lack of flexibility in their workplace or by presumptions that mothers are less committed to their work after having children. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, and the pressures felt by all parents.

Five scientists at Gladstone comment on their own experience in motherhood, and discuss how organizations can better support mothers working in STEM.