The problem, she argues, is that male-dominated work spaces are making women feel uncomfortable – not that women don’t have a genuine interest in STEM subjects in the first place. This atmosphere discourages women from getting into the career in the first place for fear of being excluded and/or alienated by their co-workers – and is something that needs to be addressed.

In response to the Tweet, users from within and outside the STEM industries shared their support for Dr Rogers’ opinion, agreeing that there needed to be a change in culture in order for more women to want to get involved.

“I worked for an engineering firm a few years ago and my interview actually had a question about being ok with inappropriate language and behaviour as they needed the ‘right kind of woman’ to work there,” one user shared. “I’m not easily offended but surely that culture is an issue!”

We need to stop asking this question if we want to see more women in STEM