Women Nobel Laureates in STEM (2000-2023): Life Stories, Challenges, and How They Achieved Impact for Success

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are the critical growth engines that develop the economy and society and improve our lives overall. However, women are underrepresented in STEM, which means 50% of the world's brain power is untapped. We know that, in general, women face unique barriers and challenges than men, such as gender bias and stereotypes. However, we know less about the unique obstacles and challenges women face in STEM and even less about overcoming the barriers in STEM. This research aims to identify the challenges faced by women in STEM and to gain a practical understanding of what women can do to evolve as leaders. As STEM is extremely broad, this thesis focused on studying the 11 female Nobel laureates who won the prize after 2000 under the three STEM-related Nobel categories: physics, chemistry, and medicine or physiology.

First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the study results of existing barriers faced by women in STEM and the enablers that can increase the likelihood of women's success in STEM. Next, data were collected about the 11 Women STEM Noble laureates, including their biographies, life stories, newspaper reports, and interview transcripts. The thematic analysis was then adopted to analyze the collected data, in which four themes are identified and presented: 1) Overcome Barriers and Challenges; 2) Qualities of a Good Scientist; 3) Supportive Systems; 4) Impactful, Humanity, Innovative. Finally, the findings are summarized in relation to the research objectives to provide insights for women who want to pursue a STEM career.