A Practical Guide for Women in Physics

Professor Tracey Berry holds MPhys and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She has been a leader in gender equality since 2007 and was a national assessor for UK university equality awards. Her particle physics research is based at CERN. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a long-distance runner. Professor Laura McCullough has been studying gender and physics issues since 1995. Her book Women in Physics (Second Edition) was published in 2024. She has given numerous talks on gender and physics. In 2025 she became a Fellow of the American Physical Society for her work on gender equity in physics. Dr Anne Marie Porter earned her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2017. She found her way to the statistical research department at the American Institute of Physics (AIP), where she gathers and publishes data on the representation of women in physics and the experiences of women in physics departments and workplaces.

'This handbook fills a real need. Research in physics education consistently shows that women often step away from the field not for any lack of ability, but because the culture leads them to doubt that they belong: capable women routinely report lower self-efficacy than male peers who are performing less well. Berry, McCullough, and Porter turn that evidence into clear, actionable guidance women can use right now, paired with candid stories from physicists who have navigated these challenges themselves. The question-and-answer format lets readers find help exactly when they need it. I recommend it warmly to students, researchers, and everyone who mentors women in physics.' Chandralekha Singh, Distinguished Professor, University of Pittsburgh

• 1. How to use this book; 2. Building self-confidence and overcoming imposter phenomenon; 3. Thriving as a physics student; 4. Applying and interviewing for jobs; 5. Networking during your career; 6. Advancing your career; 7. Finding and working with mentors; 8. Teaching and encouraging physics students; 9. Finding a good work-life balance; 10. Taking career breaks for children and family; 11. Being heard and setting boundaries; 12. Responding to harassment and discrimination; 13. Looking forward; References; Index.