With the expansion of education and the development of the national economy in China, it is evident that more and more people are choosing to pursue a path of postgraduate studies and doctoral degrees.

According to the final statistical monitoring report of theChina Women’s Development Outline (2011-2020)released by the National Bureau of Statistics, in over 40 years since China began granting doctoral degrees in 1981, the percentage of women who have obtained doctoral degrees has increased steadily from 8.80% in 1987 to 42% in 2020. However, the proportion of female doctoral degree holders is still lower than that of males, primarily due to the high percentage of doctoral students in science and engineering fields in China, where males make up the majority of master's students. Additionally, some women may choose to give up pursuing doctoral degrees due to the pressures of marriage and childbearing, resulting in a higher proportion of male doctoral degree holders.

According to statistics, in 2020, female undergraduate students in science and engineering fields at Shantou University accounted for 12.1% of the total student population, while female master's students in science and engineering fields accounted for 16.0% of the total master's student population in 2019. Female doctoral students in science and engineering fields accounted for 38.5% of the total doctoral student population in 2019. Although these figures have increased compared to previous years, there is still a significant gap compared to female students in liberal arts fields.

When it comes to pursuing a postdoctoral degree, some individuals may have concerns about personal issues if they are in their thirties at the time. However, compared to the workplace, the research field is considered to be more fair and recognizes individuals’ educational backgrounds and professional abilities, which can lead to more respect. University entrance exams in China rely heavily on test scores, and it may not be enough to prepare for graduate school. Additionally, the educational system may not be comprehensive enough to support students, leading to difficulties in finding the right professors to ask for help or knowing how to approach them.

People have different opinions when it comes to pursuing a doctoral degree, and some students who aspire to pursue a doctorate may have doubts similar to those mentioned above, which may cause them to waver on the path to pursuing a doctorate.

However, in recent years, more and more women have chosen to face the pressure and challenges head-on, boldly stepping onto the path of scientific research, entering the academic realm, and dedicating themselves to the development of the scientific research industry.

「Do you have the determination to become a Ph.D. in the future?」

To enhance Shantou University students’ understanding and awareness of the doctoral field, help them plan their academic careers, and promote the consciousness of female students in STEM fields, Esther Hall will hold a“Doctoral Career Sharing Session” as part of its STEAM program series. The event will invite outstanding female STEM and medical research professors from Shantou University to share their“Doctoral Career” experiences with students.

Guest Introduction

Gao Minling

Professor, School of Engineering, Shantou University

Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Nankai University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Ye Weilin

Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Shantou University

Ph.D. in Circuits and Systems, Jilin University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Laser Science Laboratory, Rice University, USA

Song Haihong

Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Shantou University

Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, University of Western Australia

Postdoctoral Fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Gao Yang

Lecturer, School of Medicine, Shantou University

Ph.D. in Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China