Young female scientists working in research centres and laboratories across the world are thinking outside the box and conducting groundbreaking research. Yet behind scientific progress lies a silent and unnoticed internal combat: a perpetual fear that their research is “not suitable” to be shared with the scientific community.
Have you ever sensed this? The pit in your stomach when your supervisor proposes that you present your research at a symposium. The numbness when you gawk at your manuscript draft rather than submitting it. The constant whispering of the inner voices, “your work is not enough.” You are not alone; many young female researchers share the same sentiments.
Imposter syndrome (IS) is severe in academia and bruises the confidence of young female researchers. To evaluate its prevalence in Pakistani young female researchers, a questionnaire was distributed by the author at the Biological Science Department at Forman Christian College, University, Lahore (FCCU).
One of the participants, Zainab, an MPhil research student researching the area of oncology, is familiar with these feelings and experiences. She stated, “For me, it is the fear of being criticised for my work from prominent scientists, as I feel I get anxious about making mistakes and not doing enough.”
She further voiced that “As a researcher, I am still in the phase of learning and growing, but I feel overwhelmed and nervous whenever I give a thought to present my work in front of experienced scientists.”
The Voice of Doubts and Questions
The phenomenon of self-doubt is known as imposter syndrome. A survey was conducted and found that almost 95% of female scientists suffered moderate to severe imposter syndrome, which was much greater than the 70% observed in the general population. [1] To further prove that imposter syndrome exists among female scientists, a meta-analysis reported that among 40,000 participants, imposter syndrome was consistently more prevalent among females than among males.[2]
For young females, it is not just momentary self-doubt; it is an endless inner voice that questions every insight, every piece of information, and every accomplishment worth disseminating. Although the findings surpassed expectations, doubts emerged.
Another MPhil scholar, Emma from FCCU, said, “I have felt this way even though I have not achieved anything significant yet. Still, when I learn a new basic technique and my colleagues or seniors appreciate me, I feel like I haven’t done anything; it’s just my luck that I am getting appreciated when in reality I am not doing anything special.”
An international study reported that people who suffer from imposter syndrome are more likely to attribute research achievements to factors including good fortune and their supervisor rather than their own capabilities and endeavors [1]. This mentality becomes a hurdle not only to self-assurance but also to scientific achievements.
Why do young female researchers experience IS?
Female researchers are not only restrained by personal qualms; they struggle because imposter syndrome is deeply rooted in academic culture. A study found that women in intelligence-value fields such as physics, mathematics, and biology were more likely to feel like impostors, not because of their capabilities, but because of the environment that made them feel unfit.[3]
Moreover, women in science face microaggressions, such as their ideas being rejected, their voices being interjected, and fewer women in leadership positions, which fuels their fear that one mistake might label them as “imperfect.” However, during an interview, the MPhil student stated that “persistent effort also plays a significant role,” which suggests that success comes from work, not from luck.
Scientifically proven ways to confront Imposter Syndrome
The truth is that rectifying the imposter syndrome is not about mentoring female scientists; it is about reshaping the culture surrounding them. A study demonstrated that the issue of imposter syndrome is ingrained in academic culture, which must be addressed by modulating institutional culture. [3] Which factors may assist in decreasing feelings of self-doubt?
Programs such as mentorship and mutual aid groups, where female researchers openly disclose their struggles with fears, self-doubt, and personal setbacks, are essential. In addition, celebrating failed experiments along with successes must be normalized in research. Alterations at the institutional level may reduce imposter syndrome by not making them feel like an imposter, but also make them more confident.
Young women must understand that their presence in science is not merely an accident; they have earned their positions through intelligence, dedication, and talent. Women in science must read this: your voices matter, your ideas push boundaries, and your work contributes to humanity’s quest for truth. Your internal whispers, “You are not prepared yet,” are all falsehoods.
As Marie Curie said, “Nothing in life is to be afraid of; it is only to be understood.”
Scientists should speak boldly and confidently about their work, tell their stories, and let their voices be heard.
References:
- Vaughn, A. R., Taasoobshirazi, G., & Johnson, M. L. (2019). Impostor phenomenon and motivation: Women in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 45(4), 780-795.
- Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., … & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252-1275.
- 3. Muradoglu, M., Horne, Z., Hammond, M. D., Leslie, S. J., & Cimpian, A. (2021). Women—particularly underrepresented minority women—and early-career academics feel like impostors in fields that value brilliance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(5), 1086-1100.
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Aqsa Ashraf is a molecular pathology researcher and science writer currently pursuing her MPhil at Forman Christian College University, Lahore. She is passionate about exploring the connections between biology, health, and research. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and learning newAshraf’s languages. Aqsa hopes to make science more understandable and inspiring through clear, engaging communication.
