Women in UK Ocean Science: Experiences of female leadership roles at sea

Women experienced significant barriers to fulfilling leadership roles in the earlier years of oceanography and marine science, in common with other scientific fields, especially those that require long expeditions away from ‘home’ and under conditions that were perceived as physically and mentally challenging. However, in recent years more women have become involved in ocean-going science, a trend that has gone hand-in-hand with adjustments in attitudes, opportunities, support during career breaks, and practical logistics on research vessels. Now, in the UK and many other countries, it has become standard to have a strong representation of women on board oceanographic expeditions, including in positions of leadership and on extended expeditions to remote locations.

Here, we have brought together a group of UK-based female oceanographers from different career stages to reflect on experiences of leadership at sea. We will share our positive stories of empowerment, evidence how diversity improves working at sea, and identify ongoing challenges that women face in marine science, and some possible solutions. Our key message is that all roles are now available to women, from chief scientist to technician, and from engineer to captain.