Focus groups convened by the US National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) in Washington DC say that women's academic careers in the United States are hindered by factors including isolation, lack of confidence, perceived lack of status and unfriendly family policies. The groups are part of a National Science Foundation-funded project to identify best practices for advancing female postdocs' careers. Cathee Johnson Phillips, NPA executive director, says that many women in all disciplines reported inequality and isolation. The NPA will publish its findings in 2012.