Euan Baldwin

This Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) explored the practical benefits of achieving gender equality in physics, arguing that inclusion is not only a moral issue but a strategic necessity for the advancement of the field. The project aimed to investigate how greater equality could help address the ongoing shortage of skilled researchers, stimulate innovation through diverse perspectives, and improve outreach to underrepresented groups.

I carried out this research project independently, drawing on academic literature, education policy documents, and interviews with physics educators to develop a critical analysis of the structural and cultural barriers to equality. The report evaluated contentious issues such as unconscious bias and gender quotas while advocating for long-term, systemic change to improve the field’s productivity, societal relevance, and inclusivity.

This project developed my ability to construct evidence-based arguments and engage with complex, interdisciplinary issues at the intersection of science, education, and social justice. It also strengthened my research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills in an independent context.