Wageningen University & Research Has 25% Female Professors

‘We have finally reached the 25% female professors milestone!’ was Eva Siebelink, HR Programme Manager for Diversity & Inclusion’s initial thought upon seeing the number of FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) that now represent female scientific personnel within WUR as of 1 January 2023. Her second thought was: ‘And now, to continue this upward trend.’

The Human Resources department has been monitoring the number of female scientists at WUR through a comprehensible dashboard for years. When linking the various measuring moments, a clear upward trend becomes visible. While this percentage was only 15.7% in 2016, the current portion, measured on 1 January 2023, is 25.2%.

Siebelink: ‘Our target for 2020 was 25%, which we failed to achieve. In that year, we recorded 20.9%. Since then, WUR has made considerable efforts to recruit women for vacancies. I am delighted by the substantial increase (3%) in the past six months. Half of all professors appointed in 2022 were female.’

WUR’s goal for 2025 is 30%
WUR has not yet reached its goal. WUR has not yet reached its final goal. Wageningen University has set itself the ambitious goal of 30% female professors in 2025, women thus making up one-third of all professors. The ultimate goal is to achieve a better equilibrium within all levels of the organisation.

Seeing these numbers makes Arthur Mol conclude that the policy is fruitful. He is also happy that the percentage of female associate professors is not negatively impacted but continues to increase. ‘These are excellent numbers, but it is a mere snapshot. We still have a long way to go for our 2025 target. Let’s go for 30%!’