About

Why this workshop exists

For Ada Lovelace Day 2026, the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute hosts a one-day workshop on women in computational and mathematical biology across Scotland. These methods are central to modern cancer research, yet women remain underrepresented from undergraduate study through to senior research roles. The day brings together keynote speakers, early-career researchers and trainees, a patient advocate, a student representative and a researcher who has left academia — to present their science and, explicitly, to discuss the structural barriers they face and the solutions that have worked.

The workshop offers travel and caring-responsibility support so that cost is not the reason someone cannot attend. The poster jury and the audience include both women and men by design, because gender equity in computational biology is shared work, not a women-only concern.

What the day sets out to do

First, to show the contributions and impact of women in computational and mathematical biology, particularly in cancer research. Second, to open a working space where women and allies discuss structural barriers and co-design practical actions for recruitment, retention and progression — the kind of concrete steps institutes and group leaders can act on.

The evidence

~19%of UK computing-degree students are women, against 45% in statistics

17%of Higher Computing Science entries in Scotland are girls; 14% at Advanced Higher

~29%of the UK STEM workforce are women; about 10% of senior managers in Scottish STEM

31%of core UK STEM students are women or non-binary

~18.6%female candidates at A-level computing

Underrepresentedan Edinburgh-led analysis found women systematically underrepresented in computational biology authorship versus wet biology

Computational and mathematical approaches are precisely where women are most underrepresented — so a focused, local response in this specific context matters. This workshop is that response: not a statement, a working day with concrete outputs.

Expected outcomes

A Scotland-wide network of women researchers and allies in computational biology; a set of actionable recommendations from the closing panel that can inform mentoring, recruitment, promotion and flexible-working practice; and a clearer picture of computational cancer research as a place where this work is supported.

Sources

STEM Women statistics report; IET A-level data 2025; IET STEM workforce data 2024
Generation Equal Scotland — women and girls in digital tech
Royal Society of Edinburgh policy advice on STEM participation
Edinburgh-led analysis of computational biology authorship representation