Changing the Chilly Climate: Observations on Gender Diversity and Inclusion at a Geoscience Conference in the Netherlands

Scientific conferences are vital for academic career progression, offering opportunities to present research, build professional networks, and foster a sense of belonging within the scientific community. However, conferences often lack diverse representation, particularly in terms of gender diversity in visible and key roles. Barriers such as limited funding, lack of hybrid or virtual participation options, absence of childcare facilities, and unawareness of conference organization can exclude underrepresented groups. Even when diverse participants attend, equal participation and reception are not guaranteed, reflecting broader issues within geosciences.

While anecdotal evidence suggests a “chilly climate” for minority groups at conferences, systematic observational data on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have only recently begun to be collected in the field of geosciences. Inspired by Lefebvre & Bernhard’s work presented at EGU (2024), this study documents gender diversity and inclusion at the 2025 Dutch Earth and Environmental Sciences Conference (NAC). Over two days, a team collected observational data using a digital survey designed based on previous studies.

We tested eight hypotheses derived from scientific literature: 1) lower visibility of female participants in key roles; 2) fewer senior female scientists due to the “leaky pipeline” effect; 3) higher male participation in geological sessions and higher female participation in environmental sciences; 4) more inclusive language used by female presenters; 5) lower confidence among female speakers; 6) dominance of question-asking by male, especially senior, participants; 7) greater control exerted by male chairpersons; and 8) systematic barriers hindering equal participation despite organizers’ intentions.

Our findings confirmed hypotheses 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. The “leaky pipeline” was evident, with fewer than one-third of senior scientists being female, whilst female scientists make just about the largest group in the early career stages. Senior male participants dominated questions and discussions, particularly in larger groups, while early-career women asked fewer questions than expected, despite their significant presence in the audience. The importance of EDI policies and intention-setting by organizers was clear, as NAC 2025 prioritized diversity in presenters and included EDI workshops. However, field-wide dynamics still limited inclusivity, especially for younger female participants.

To address these issues, we recommend lowering barriers in Q&A sessions through technology, training chairpersons to recognize bias in selecting questioners, and providing hybrid participation and childcare facilities. We welcome discussion on whether these findings resonate at other EU conferences and on further methods to formalize EDI observations in scientific literature, including funding opportunities.

Lefebvre, A. and Bernhard, R.: Diversity at a Small Geoscience Conference, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9557, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9557, 2024.