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When you picture a scientist, what do you think of? Most of us probably picture a middle-aged white male with slightly crazy hair in a lab coat and goggles.

This assumption creates barriers to those who don’t conform to this description. Firstly, we might not perceive ourselves to be ‘like a scientist’ and so be put off from entering the field. Secondly, within scientific fields, these perceptions can lead to unconscious or intentional discrimination against those who don’t fit into this traditional description.

Scientists come in all shapes and sizes. According to the UK’s Royal Society, Women comprise of 23% of the UK STEM workforce, whilst Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) scientists make up 10.5%, and, although there are limited data, it appears that the number of LGBTQ and disabled scientists is also increasing.

Despite this, most scientific fields are still heavily dominated by middle-aged, cis-gendered, seemingly heterosexual white men. Consequently, walls still remain for underrepresented scientists.

The patriarchy of science can create a hostile environment for women. For example, in the US, 20% of female undergraduate and postgraduate students surveyed had been sexually harassed by a member of staff, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

BAME scientists also face hidden barriers. Only 6.2% of UK STEM students are from BAME backgrounds, and the Royal Society found that they ‘are less likely to progress to scientific jobs after graduating than white students’. For LGBTQ scientists, a lack of representation can also foster a culture of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’, for fear of repercussions, or even abuse, when they do have the courage to come out.

Times are changing and representation across all of these groups is increasing. But for now, while their numbers are still limited, we have to break down the barriers to their participation in science. A diverse, accepting, happy workforce has the potential to achieve much more than we currently do.

This year marks the 30 year fall of the Berlin Wall. When the world is becoming increasingly obsessed with building them, let’s break down the walls in science!