A £4.1 million UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology launched this week places the UK at the forefront of initiatives to ensure equality for women in science and technology.
The Government-funded centre, which is based at Bradford University, will work with industry and academia to find better ways to encourage more women to move into science and technology careers.
Annette Williams, director of the centre, said: "The UK has a skills shortage in science, engineering and technology.
"Even though women now make up almost half of the workforce, their talents and expertise in these subjects are still not being utilised to the full," she said.
Marie-Noëlle Barton, director of the Women into Science and Engineering Campaign, said: "The commitment from the Government is great news, and the fact that employers are also listening means that we are all, at last, going in the right direction."
UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology www.setwomenresource.org.uk
DTI Gender and Innovation in Science and Technology www.set4women.gov.uk
Women into Science and Engineering www.wisecampaign.org.uk