More than 60% of biotech R&D staff are women, who represent 29% of management teams

The presence of women in science and technology remains insufficient both in Spain and worldwide. Although women make up more than half of the overall student population, their participation in STEM studies and careers (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is significantly lower. In Spain, only 28.6% of university students in STEM disciplines were women in 2023, according to the latest Education and Training Monitor 2025 report prepared by the European Commission. Moreover, their representation decreases even further in the labor market: barely one fifth of professionals in specialized scientific and technological occupations are women, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) and the European Commission. This situation highlights the persistence of structural barriers that hinder women's retention, promotion, and leadership in science and technology.

Gender inequality begins even before university. During the 2023-2024 academic year, women represented 53.7% of the total student population, but only 48.4% in the Science track of upper secondary education, and their participation in technological vocational training continues to be limited. Globally, fewer than 30% of researchers are women, indicating that female talent is still not fully integrated into research and innovation. This gap results in limited opportunities for women to lead scientific projects, develop technologies, and participate in the governance of science and artificial intelligence.

More than 60% of students enrolled in university biotechnology studies are women

In this context, the biotechnology sector in Spain stands out as a benchmark. Since the 2015-2016 academic year, the number of students enrolled in undergraduate and master's degree programs in biotechnology has increased by 36%. In the 2023-2024 academic year-the latest period with available data-9,798 students were enrolled in biotechnology master's and undergraduate programs, of whom 62% were women, according to the latest AseBio Report.

Since 2010, biotech companies have maintained female representation above 50%. In addition, 60% of staff dedicated to R&D activities in biotech companies are women, and they represent 29% of management teams within biotechnology companies.

Despite the positive figures shown by the biotechnology sector in Spain, there is still a long road ahead. Aware of this, the Spanish Bioindustry Association (AseBio), together with the Biotech Platform (PBio), promotes initiatives such as the mentoring program "A Day with a Woman in Biotech," which launched its fourth edition on February 4. The program aims to show female students how biotechnology companies operate and what working in them is like, as well as the different career paths available in the sector.

Over its four editions, this initiative has worked to highlight the essential role women play in driving innovations that, through biotechnology, help improve human health and protect the sustainability of our planet.

"A Day with a Woman in Biotech": four successful editions

Since the first edition was held in 2023, 447 students from 14 universities offering biotechnology studies have applied to participate in the program. Interest has also been strong among AseBio member companies and organizations belonging to the Biotech Platform, with the participation of 49 women from 35 biotech companies or venture capital fund management entities.

Specifically, the current edition has recorded the second-highest number of applications from interested students since the initiative was launched, with a total of 113 candidates. In addition, at least 11 professional women will participate to showcase how work is carried out in the biotechnology sector and the career opportunities it offers.