A new study published in RMD Open has found that women are underrepresented in senior authorship positions in rheumatology randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared to their overall representation in rheumatology research.
The researchers examined gender data regarding 10,794 authors of 1,092 RCTs published in 37 different journals between 2009 and 2023. Across the study period, women were roughly 40 percent of all authors. However, among first and last authors – the two most senior positions in published research – women represented 36.8 percent and 26.1 percent of these roles, respectively. Notably, women were more likely to be authors of an RCT where the last author was another woman, suggesting mentorship plays a key role in advancing women’s equity in research.
Among different geographic regions, RCTs based in Africa were more likely than those based in North America to include women authors, while RCTs based in Asia, Europe, or transcontinental studies were less likely. Women were also less likely to be an author on RCTs that were industry-funded, as well as on trials with large participant sample sizes. In contrast, authors affiliated with pharmaceutical companies were more likely to be women.
“Implementing structured policies and supporting women through mentorship and leadership opportunities are crucial steps towards a more inclusive and dynamic research environment,” the authors write. “Such initiatives are not only essential for fostering gender equity but also for enhancing the quality of scientific research through diverse perspectives. The possible role model effect provides a compelling argument for initiatives aimed at promoting women into leadership positions within the academic and clinical research settings of rheumatology.”
The study was authored by scholars at the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals in Switzerland.