Gender gap in science and academia: a study on the professional careers of Spanish scientists

Abstract

The incorporation of women in the world of science has improved over recent decades. However, the gender gap still remains significant. Furthermore, the discrimination women have to face is often subtle and hence is sometimes difficult to identify in an explicit manner. What is clear is that maternity leave, the implicit gender bias, the lack of specific references in certain areas, the distribution of roles, publications and collaboration between equals are, among other questions, clear examples of a problem that persists over time. Through fieldwork consisting of 23 semi-structured interviews of women and men that are members of research groups with projects financed by the European Research Council, we will address their careers and, thanks to their testimony, will try and uncover this discrimination and explore the current gender gap in the field of Spanish science.