Barriers, Challenges, and Supports for Family Caregivers in Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research demonstrated a significant impact of family caregiving responsibilities on the careers of professionals who work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) - especially women. The COVID-19 pandemic increased public recognition of the challenges experienced by caregivers in STEMM fields and created a sense of urgency among many stakeholders. As part of the information-gathering stage of a forthcoming consensus study to address the barriers faced by caregivers, of all genders, in STEMM fields, the Committee on Policies and Practices for Supporting Family Caregivers Working in Science, Engineering, and Medicine organized two national symposia on February 27 and March 27, 2023. Scholars and leaders from a range of sectors convened to identify evidence-based interventions that can support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of caregivers in science, engineering, and medical fields. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the symposia. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 Outlining the Challenges Facing Caregivers in STEMM 3 Understanding the Federal and State Policy Landscape 4 Organizational Policies Supporting Caregivers in STEMM 5 Research on Different Types of Caregivers 6 Federal Responses to Address Caregiving References Appendix A: Public Meeting Agendas Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Planning Committee Members and Speakers