It is well established that 20-25% of the Scottish photonics sector identifies as female, and this is in line with reported global figures.  What is less well understood are the roles, functions and positions that are held by women within the sector in Scotland.

By conducting our first Opening up Photonics gender survey, we hope to generate improved visibility of these important details, providing vital context below the headline numbers. This in turn will guide the OuP initiative to build our future activities for the diverse and inclusive growth of the sector.

We are asking Scottish photonics organisations to help us by completing this short survey.  All data received will be aggregated and anonymised before any subsequent reporting.

Background

Opening up Photonics (OuP), a partnership between Photonics Scotland, Glasgow University, the Institute of Physics and InnovateUK KTN, is a platform supporting the Scottish photonics industry to discuss, challenge and address as a community, barriers faced by minority groups, with the aim of increasing accessibility, championing diversity, and ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Our vision is to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce within Scotland’s photonics sector and, in doing so, support the sector to achieve its aim to treble in size by 2030.

More information on the Opening up Photonics initiative can be found here.