Women in Engineering and STEM: A Review of the 2025 Literature

 This annual review synthesizes nearly 500 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers published in 2025 to examine the current state of gender equity across science, engineering, and technology. The analysis highlights that despite decades of policy interventions, structural and cultural barriers continue to limit the participation and advancement of women and gender-minoritized individuals. Key themes in the recent research include the persistence of gender-based stereotypes, unequal access to institutional knowledge, and the impact of "chilly" departmental climates on professional identity and belonging. The review also identifies emerging challenges, such as algorithmic bias in career tools and the fragility of diversity gains in the face of shifting political and funding priorities. Ultimately, the findings emphasize that addressing these disparities requires moving beyond individual-level support toward deep, institutional reforms that embed equity into the core of organizational practice and national policy.

Credit: Michael Beach, Ph.D.;Emily Knaphus-Soran, Ph.D.;Elizabeth Litzler, Ph.D.

Date:2026