The Artemis Project
The Artemis Project delivers research-driven resources and targeted support in areas cited by female academics as barriers to realising their full potential. This includes facilitating success in major research funding, career advancement, and the development of high-impact research.
A persistent leaky-pipeline problem exists across the UK and internationally, particularly in science and engineering, although all Artemis tools are discipline-agnostic. While women enter academic careers in comparable numbers to men, their representation declines at senior levels. This attrition reduces diversity in leadership, diminishes the research ecosystem, and constrains innovation.
Historically, our services have centred on grant application critical-friend support and interview preparation. We are now expanding this provision with original research, analytical thought pieces, and bespoke coaching services, informed by the approach pioneered by the Institute for Women-Centred Coaching.
The underlying issue is not any deficiency in women’s capabilities. Extensive research attributes these outcomes to systemic bias and differential experiences, compounded by intersectionality. Although efforts to mitigate these biases continue, progress remains slow; consequently, current generations of female researchers still face barriers that many male peers do not. The Artemis Project exists to support those navigating these inequities until such time as the initiative is no longer needed.
The project comprises original research activities; publicly accessible resources produced through a combination of internal funding (20% FTE from RiF) and voluntary time; and longer-term, bespoke support for individuals and organisations (fee-based, due to the tailored nature of the work). Additional background on common barriers and the rationale for this initiative is available here.
Why call it Artemis?
Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth, represents themes that align with the pursuit and development of major research ideas and the support of emerging talent. The project name reflects these symbolic associations.
The Plan
The Artemis Project is organised around six core themes, each designed to deepen understanding of the factors hindering women’s progression in academia. We are undertaking both independent and collaborative research to complement existing evidence.
Early career researchers have highlighted the need for practical, specific guidance on navigating the academic research environment. To address this, we will draw upon a network of senior female research leaders to provide anonymous, experience-based insights, including on topics such as managing the interaction between professional and personal responsibilities.
This is a collective endeavour. Contributions from individuals of all genders are welcome, including examples of effective work–life integration and mentoring practices that have demonstrably supported female colleagues. Input can be provided through our active research projects.
Although the project focuses on structural barriers affecting women, many of these challenges also apply more broadly. All resources, tools, and support mechanisms are available to any researcher, in line with our long-standing approach to grant-support services and training.
This is a collective effort, we need everyone's help, female, or not! Contribute your experience based wisdom and advice via our live research projects! Â
Get support:
The overarching purpose of the Artemis Project is to support cultural change by providing resources that help address the root causes of the leaky pipeline. As part of this commitment, we offer individual and group coaching aimed at identifying and shifting barriers—particularly internal psychological constraints that arise from external conditions. This process helps clients recognise and dismantle patterns that impede progress, thereby enabling them to achieve their full potential.
Our coaching approach is informed by more than 25 years of direct experience supporting researchers, alongside the doctoral research and professional practice of Dr Claire Zammit, whose work underpins the methodology employed by the Institute for Women Centred Coaching (IWCC). Further details on coaching options and the associated frameworks are available through the provided links.
Where next?
Not quite ready to be coached/for a course?
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