Gender Disparities in the Career of Neurology Researchers

Abstract

Background and objectives: To assess gender disparities in neurology researcher careers in the United States.

Methods: A 34-question survey was distributed to 4,644 US-based American Academy of Neurology members who self-identified as researchers in 2020 addressing the following domains: research and funding, scholarly activities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) effect, and local institutional climate.

Results: A total of 700 (15%) individuals completed the survey (women, n = 231; men, n = 426), with 71% White and >80% conducting research. Women respondents were significantly younger than men, more likely to be assistant professors (32% vs 21%), and less likely to be full professors (18% vs 39%). Compared with men, women received equivalent grants and research support and had comparable or additional formal research training and mentorship. Women had less middle author publications (mean 5.8 [SD 9.2] vs mean 8.2 [SD 11.8], p = 0.03) compared with men but similar first or last author publications (mean 4.3[5.4] vs 6.1 [9.8], p = 0.05). A lower proportion of women presented research at grand rounds or at a national/international conference compared with men (58% vs 69%, p = 0.01). Women spent more time in nonprofessional responsibilities, were less satisfied with their work-life balance, and were less likely to agree with statements addressing equity/diversity and institutional climate. Respondents shared their concerns regarding how the pandemic was affecting neurology research careers, with a higher proportion of women reporting that family responsibilities affected research activities and lead to delayed submission of non-COVID-19-related manuscripts.

Discussion: Our survey of US-based neurology researchers demonstrated continued gender-based disparities in academic rank, manuscript authorship, and invited speaking engagements, although funding opportunities and access to additional training were equivalent. Women were less likely than men to agree that neurology departments support diversity and equity and that the institutional climate was inclusive and transparent. The pandemic had affected both genders in research, but areas were different for women related to family responsibilities. This article also highlights additional areas of research and areas for intervention to improve and reduce gender disparities among neurology researchers.