Young women outstrip men as Phd researchers

More young women then men are taking a Phd in the Netherlands, according to new figures from the national statistics office CBS.

Although men still account for two-thirds of Phds, 58% of Phd candidates aged 25 to 30 are female, the figures show.

However there is still a division in subject matter, the CBS says. Men are more likely to have a doctorate in maths, science and technology while women focus more on health-related research and social sciences.

Nevertheless, the figures show almost 20% of women Phds did their research in maths or pure science.

Most Phds are also likely to be in full-time jobs, although 15% of women with a doctorate do not work full-time.

Education ministry figures last year showed there are now more women than men studying at Dutch universities. And although more boys are born than girls, they only account for 45% of pupils at pre-university secondary schools (vwo).