Women continue to lag in membership and leadership in scientific institutions

On February 11, in the context of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the International Science Council (ISC), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES) jointly launched the global report “Towards gender equality in scientific organizations: assessment and recommendations”. The report offers evidence-based insights into persistent gender gaps, highlights successful practices, and provides actionable recommendations to foster more inclusive and equitable scientific environments around the world.

Drawing on data from over 130 academies and scientific unions and survey responses from nearly 600 scientists, the report provides the most comprehensive global assessment to date of women’s representation, participation, and leadership in scientific bodies. The findings confirm that progress since 2015 has been real but uneven, with persistent gaps in leadership roles, governing bodies, and systems of scientific recognition.

Click here to access the full report.

Data shows that women are significantly underrepresented

The study shows that, despite women comprising 31,1% of researchers worldwide in 2022, they remain significantly underrepresented in scientific organizations. In national academies, women constituted an average of 19% of members in 2025, reflecting a gradual increase from 12% in 2015 and 16% in 2020. Representation, however, varies widely across institutions, ranging from fewer than 5% to nearly 40%. Gender disparities are even more evident in senior leadership.

Among 50 national academies, only 20% currently have a woman president, a modest rise from 17% in 2015 and unchanged since 2020. In international scientific unions, women’s overall representation generally mirrors the gender balance of their respective disciplines, yet women hold a comparatively higher share of leadership positions (around 40% across unions).

Structural barriers sustain gender inequities in science

Beyond documenting disparities, the study identifies structural barriers that limit equitable participation, noting that gender gaps cannot be explained by pipeline effects alone. It also highlights examples of organizations implementing effective policies to advance equity, demonstrating the impact of targeted institutional reforms. The release of the report aligns with global efforts marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, reinforcing the urgency of supporting inclusive scientific systems.

IANAS encourages its member Academies to engage with the recommendations and to strengthen their own institutional practices to promote greater representation and leadership opportunities for women in science across the Americas.