Men are publishing more research than women, and it's not just due to parenthood

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-11-26 11:01

International

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There continues to be gender disparities in research publication, according to international researchers who analysed over 18,000 publications from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health between 2014 and 2023. The team found men published around 30% more papers than women, even when adjusting for job category, ethnicity, and time. The gap was present from junior levels, with a gap that the team say is too large to simply be explained by parenthood and traditional gender roles. The gap was also found to widen at senior ranks, where men are overrepresented, and the team add that publication is often considered as criteria for promotion, which may further contribute to the overrepresentation of men at senior ranks. When looking at ethnicity, the team found authorship differences were less consistent across ethnicity groups, although researchers from minoritised groups often had fewer opportunities for collaboration.

Media release

From: The Royal Society

Examining gender and ethnic disparities in scientific authorship to promote equity, diversity and inclusion at a university school of public health

An analysis of over 18,000 publications from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health (2014–2023) reveals persistent disparities in academic output. Men published around 30% more papers than women, with the gap present from junior levels and widening at senior ranks, where men are overrepresented. Ethnic differences were less consistent, although researchers from minoritised groups often had fewer opportunities for collaboration. These findings underscore systemic barriers in academia and highlight the need for fairer approaches to evaluating and rewarding diverse research contributions

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Journal/
conference: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Imperial College London School of Public Health, UK

Funder: Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, a partnership between the UK Health Security Agency, Imperial College London and LSHTM (grant code NIHR200908) and the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (reference MR/X020258/1), funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC). This UK funded award is carried out in the frame of the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking. Disclaimer: ‘The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, UK Health Security Agency or the Department of Health and Social Care.’ LCO acknowledges funding from the UK Royal Society. SEQ acknowledges funding from the Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF).

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