Image courtesy of Sasin Tipchai via Pixabay.
Despite increasing representation of women in anesthesiology research, notable gender disparities persist, especially in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. A recent study by Yale postdoctoral fellow Mah I. Kan Changez examined NIH funding trends from 2017 to 2020 and noted significant notable discrepancies between men and women principal investigators (PIs).
The study, using data from an NIH database and institutional websites, found that PIs who were men consistently received higher funding amounts both per grant and overall from the NIH. On average, men received $348,751 per grant, compared to $268,634 for women. The median total grant received by PIs was also higher for men ($359,038) compared to women ($330,865). These disparities were present for both MD and PhD holders.
The number of NIH grants awarded to PIs who were men, including those with dual MD–PhD degrees, increased between 2017 and 2020. No such upward trend, however, was observed for PIs who were women. This stagnation in funding for women is concerning, especially considering the growing representation of women in academic anesthesiology. The findings suggest that securing NIH grants might be more difficult for women, which could hinder their ability to conduct impactful research.
This study reflects broader trends in other medical fields, where women remain underrepresented in research funding despite making progress in obtaining academic roles. Factors contributing to this funding imbalance may include fewer grant applications from women, additional family responsibilities, and challenges in mentorship and career advancement.
The study emphasizes the need to address gender inequalities in research funding. Further investigation into long-term trends and factors contributing to these disparities is essential for fostering a more equitable academic environment. Additionally, further studies on NIH funding will be expanded to include other medical research fields, providing a more comprehensive understanding of gender disparities across disciplines.