#ASPIRES3

Fuming 😡

Teacher: "you can usually tell the girls that want to do physics, they look a bit tomboy-ish"

#WomenInSTEM #ASPIRES3 @iop.org

Front cover of the ASPIRES3 Physics report. A simple atom-style logo. Text: Young People's STEM trajectories Age 10-22

The new #ASPIRES3 Physics report is difficult reading.
Physics:
* remains male-dominated (24% fem) & privileged
* aspirations decline from the start to end of school 😔
* is considered the least interesting, most difficult science 😭
* is for brainy "geeks" 😮‍💨
Lots of useful recommendations though🎢🧪👩‍🔬⚛️

Photo of a presentation slide showing a cartoon of a salmon leaping up a waterfall. The waterfall is labelled with “STEM education practices and social inequalities constantly push back and make progress difficult.” The salmon is labelled with “Young people must exert considerable, constant effort to make progress in their STEM trajectories.” An overall caption reads: “Policy question: Focus on making the fish stronger - or changing the waterway?”.

A thought-provoking session from Prof Louise Archer at #ASEConf2025 on challenging inequalities in science engagement and participation.

Particularly interesting to hear longitudinal student interviews from #Aspires3 and see what ultimately steers students towards or away from science careers.