Sexism in science

Some comments last month about female scientists by a male septuagenarian Nobel prize-winner, including the suggestion of single-sex laboratories, not unsurprisingly caused a furore. Whether the resulting media deluge of both unfair and apposite comments constituted mob rule or a sense of balanced perspective is for others to judge. Intelligence in science does not always transfer into other aspects of life. However, one beneficial outcome is that discrimination and sexism in science is once again being debated. It is worth remembering that back in 2007 Bill Gates told a meeting: “...... if you're not fully utilizing half the talent in the country, you're not going to get too close to the top.”