Recent data and publications show a persistent lack of women pursuing and maintaining careers in organic chemistry. Despite awareness of this issue, the number of female scientists in the organic chemistry community remains low (<20%). Many women enter academics and industry to study science but then opt out to pursue other careers, some of which are congruent with science, while others are outside the discipline altogether.
Evidence indicates that providing an opportunity for women to meet, network, and share scientific and career strategies is one effective approach to encouraging women to enter and maintain careers in science. Inspired by the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing series of conferences, which were established to encourage women to participate in computer science, we proposed that something similar was needed in organic chemistry, where we should actively be looking for opportunities to recognize, identify and retain women in the field of organic chemistry, regardless of gender or any other protected characteristic.
To accomplish this goal, we founded the Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry (EWOC) Conferences in 2019. The EWOC conference allows women leaders to present their scientific research and also allows the participants to hear career stories of how eminent women in the field of organic chemistry have developed their careers and learn of the challenges they have faced – and overcome – along the way. In addition, the conference includes a career panel, a series of excellent workshops to provide participants the tools to navigate their careers, and a poster session.
This annual meeting welcomes women (students, post-docs, faculty, and professionals) and allies who work or plan to work in the field of organic chemistry, broadly defined, from all types of institutions (academic, industry, biotech, non-profit and government). The conference provides a unique opportunity for networking and is committed to improving upon the overall diversity within the organic chemistry community within a supportive environment. We seek to empower all marginalized individuals across all chemistry fields.
More information to become available soon. Please visit the event website for the most up-to-date information.