Numerous studies have come to the conclusion that there is a large gender gap between men and women scientists. However, new research is suggesting that the success of women scientists may not be due to discrimination, but rather the choices that females make.

According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it's not the discrimination in the field of science, but rather family-related choices and differences in resources that are the reasons why there are not many women in the industry.

Researchers combed through various studies and publications to note how universities determine how grants and jobs were given and found that there is no sign of discrimination. In fact, universities have been trying to promote women in the field.

"Universities expend money and time trying to combat this rampant alleged discrimination against women in the hope that by doing so universities will see the numbers of women STEM scientists increase dramatically over coming years," said study co-author Wendy M. Williams, professor of human development and director of the Cornell Institute for Women in Science, both in Cornell's College of Human Ecology.