Breaking Barriers in Chromatography: A Roundtable Insight
In a candid roundtable, three prominent voices in chromatography—Diane Turner of Anthias Consulting, Jacqueline Hamilton of the University of York, and Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay from the University of Glasgow—pull back the curtain on the realities of a science career through the lens of women scientists. They discuss how the field has evolved, the ongoing barriers, and practical strategies that can empower the next generation of researchers to thrive in chromatography and related analytical techniques.
Unexpected Journeys into Science
The discussion highlights that many scientists enter chromatography through non-linear paths. Jacqueline Hamilton recalls discovering two-dimensional gas chromatography during her PhD search after never hearing of it as an undergraduate, underscoring how curiosity and hands-on problem solving can steer careers. Diane Turner shares a more circuitous route: after her organic synthesis PhD funding fell through, she pivoted to analytical chemistry, eventually leading to the creation of an applications lab for a chromatography instrument company. At 23, her drive culminated in starting Anthias Consulting, celebrating two decades of growth and impact in the field.
These stories reflect a broader truth: chromatography attracts people who relish building instruments, developing methods, and validating results through practical experimentation. The field rewards resilience and the ability to translate complex chemistry into reliable, real-world measurements—qualities that Turner and Hamilton embody in their leadership and mentorship roles.
The Dual Challenge: Motherhood and Career
A central thread in the conversation is balancing scientific ambition with family responsibilities. Hamilton emphasizes the need for resilience when taking time out or working part-time, noting that flexibility is as important as technical skill in sustaining a long-term career. Turner’s experience is particularly instructive: she pursued a PhD part-time while launching a business and raising children, describing the period as “crazy” but foundational for her entrepreneurial and scientific identity.
Yet the juggling act also reveals a leakage in talent: many women transition from laboratory roles to positions in marketing or human resources due to limited flexibility in lab schedules. This shift reduces the field’s mentorship capacity and the direct pipeline of hands-on expertise, underscoring the need for workplaces to adopt flexible policies that keep talented researchers in core science roles while supporting family life.
Systemic Barriers and Slow Progress
The roundtable acknowledges that progress toward gender parity at the highest levels remains gradual. Gauchotte-Lindsay argues that promotion criteria tied to grant income or citation metrics can implicitly disadvantage women, who may face unequal access to resources and opportunities. Publishing patterns also reflect inequities. Research highlighted by the Royal Society of Chemistry and others shows that women are less likely to be first or last authors and often receive fewer citations, signaling the need to re-examine how scientific merit is measured and rewarded.
Addressing systemic bias requires a multi-faceted approach: diverse leadership, equitable funding decisions, transparent promotion criteria, and data-informed policies that actively close gaps in opportunity and recognition. The consensus from the roundtable is clear—improving metrics alone won’t suffice; a culture shift toward inclusive practices is essential.
Practical Advice for the Next Generation
Despite challenges, the speakers offer actionable guidance for young scientists entering chromatography today. The most cited strategy is deliberate networking: build a professional web of peers and mentors who can offer guidance, collaboration, and visibility. Jacqueline Hamilton urges young researchers to build confidence in reaching out to others, while Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay recommends using social media channels such as LinkedIn or X (Twitter) as lower-pressure avenues to connect with admired scientists and peers, emphasizing that peer networks often become the most valuable resource over time.
Turner stresses a positive, opportunity-minded mindset—seeing potential in every situation, even setbacks, as a way to grow resilience. All three agree that outreach within the community is crucial; it broadens perspectives, strengthens confidence in sharing work, and reinforces belonging in a field where collective success depends on collaboration.
Gauchotte-Lindsay also encourages embracing opportunities aimed at supporting underrepresented groups. Her pragmatic stance—“if you got something because you’re a woman, take it and be super brilliant at it”—embodies the proactive mindset needed to navigate a landscape that still has structural biases. The message is clear: persistence, networking, and a positive outlook can pave the way for meaningful advancement in chromatography and beyond.
Takeaways for Today
- Non-linear pathways to science are common; curiosity and hands-on work are powerful motivators.
- Work-life balance, especially motherhood, requires flexible policies and supportive environments to retain top talent in core research roles.
- Systemic biases persist in promotion, publishing, and funding; re-evaluating merit metrics is essential.
- Active networking and mentorship, both online and offline, dramatically enhances career trajectory.
These insights, drawn from a candid dialogue among leading women in chromatography, offer a practical roadmap for young scientists. By pairing resilience with strategic networking and a commitment to inclusive culture, the field can continue to break barriers and amplify the contributions of women in chromatography and scientific discovery.
