Women are successful in marine science, but not in its narrative. Case study from Poland

Active participation of women in marine field work (research cruises) was almost nonexistent before the mid-1970s, and slowly increased to a present day 50:50 share in Poland. The detailed analysis is presented for the largest marine research institute in Poland with 200 employees and regular (over 240 days per year) in the sea presence onboard r/v OCEANIA. The overall share of women in the scientific activities (research papers) is almost 50%, with higher share in chemistry (60%) and lower in marine physics (40%). The share of women as leaders in external projects is equal to men and the scientific performance (measured as Hirsch index) is statistically the same as men researchers, however men researchers present both highest and lowest scores, contrary to more equal distribution of results among women. The striking difference is visible in the outreach activity – mainstream media releases, where men are responsible for nearly 90% of events for adult audience. The issue is presented in the context of international research on women presence in the science (STEM) and similar patterns around the globe.