Report shows gender equality and academic freedom significantly increase female representation in science

The academic journal Research Policy has published a report demonstrating that gender equality and academic freedom within a country significantly increase female representation across both STEM and non-STEM disciplines. However, the report's authors also found that academic fields that emphasise innate brilliance over hard work tend to have fewer women, suggesting that cultural stereotypes act as a barrier to entry.

The report, titled “Sex, Science, and Society: How Culture Shapes Global Research Participation”, was published in their March 2026 Research Policy Journal. It explores how cultural factors at both the country- and field-level significantly influence women’s participation and success in science.

The authors identified migration and research productivity as primary channels for these effects, noting that female scientists are more likely to move to countries with inclusive social norms.

Ultimately, the authors suggested that innovation and economic growth were closely linked to social factors that facilitate diverse scientific involvement.

Research Policy is a monthly…