Poster #128 - Unpacking the Gender and Research Performance Nexus in Science: A Meta-analysis

• In Event: Friday Poster Reception

Abstract

The existence of gender in research performance has attracted growing scholarly attention, yet empirical findings remain inconsistent and fragmented. While numerous studies have explored gender disparities in scientific productivity, there is still no clear consensus on how gender composition or diversity within research teams affects research performance.

This study aims to systematically synthesize existing empirical research examining the association between gender and research performance. Specifically, we investigate gender in terms of two dimensions: the proportion of female team members and gender diversity. We evaluate their links to performance outcomes, including citation counts, number of publications, and journal impact factor to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between gender and research performance.

We employ a meta-analysis grounded in PRISMA guidelines. We retrieve data from the Web of Science, starting with 11,866 articles and following filtering processes. Our preliminary analysis confirms a complex and nuanced relationship between gender and research performance. The initial findings show the importance of contextualizing gender within the division of labor in science and its disciplinary norms.

By aggregating and analyzing contradictory evidence, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of gender in scientific performance. Based on the results, this research offers implications for science policy that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. Plus, we call for institutional efforts and future research focused on team science and gender equality in academia.

Authors

• Jisu Woo, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  Presenting Author

• So Young Kim, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  Non-Presenting Co-Author