Women in hydrology: Pioneering interdisciplinary advances and mentorship in science

Women are under-represented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields, and face tremendous challenges that are disproportionately elevated during global stressors. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic created unique and disproportionate challenges for women, who submitted fewer publications than men, reported decreases in hours worked due to increased caregiving responsibilities, and even left academia. However, despite these challenges, women hydrologists have not only persevered and contributed to exceptional science, but also provided critical mentorship for the next generation. We organized a Special Issue in the Journal of Hydrology to celebrate the exceptional work of women hydrologists, showcasing their contributions as interdisciplinary scientists who enrich and expand the field, and as mentors who nurture and amplify the voices of the next generation. This editorial provides the history and background to the Special Issue, offers an overview of the papers submitted, and presents the results of a survey of the authors that provides a snapshot of their experiences of being a woman working in hydrology and the impact the pandemic had on that experience. We find that women in hydrology bring an inherently interdisciplinary approach – an invaluable asset as the field tackles increasingly complex, global challenges. A key theme of this issue is mentorship. The stories of outstanding mentors within the field underscore practices that promote inclusion, support, and excellence. Their approaches to mentoring reflect a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of hydrologists and promoting diversity in science. While the pandemic highlighted some of the existing challenges, particularly in work-life balance, inclusion, and recognition in the field, amplified among women who are homosexual, transgender, non-white or from other minoritized groups, this Special Issue is a testament to the tenacity, capacity, and collaboration among women in hydrology. These contributions not only advance the science itself but also demonstrate the powerful impact of a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research community in shaping the future of hydrology.