Women in Research Assessment 2026

Across the global landscape of research evaluation, the perspectives and voices of women remain underrepresented. Research assessment practices and frameworks significantly influence the structure of academic careers, funding allocation, and recognition within the scientific community. Yet, gender disparities persist, shaping the evolution of research culture and limiting the diversity of approaches that inform assessment methodologies.This Research Topic seeks to highlight the critical contributions and innovative research of women working to advance and reform the field of research assessment. By providing a dedicated platform for women researchers, we aim to promote greater inclusivity in discussions around the design of research metrics, the principles of responsible assessment, and the implementation of equitable and transparent evaluation systems.Guided by Section Editor Dr. Zaida Chinchilla-Rodríguez, alongside Dr. Jane Payumo and Dr. Núria Bautista-Puig, this collection encourages submissions led by women that explore novel analytic frameworks, address persistent barriers and biases, and propose solutions for enhancing fairness, diversity, and openness in research evaluation.We welcome submissions that examine how gender shapes research assessment outcomes, as well as contributions that present new methodologies, case studies, and theoretical models for more inclusive, effective, and responsible research assessment. Topics embracing the intersection of gender with career development, peer review, measurement of impact, reform initiatives, or strategic policy design are of particular interest.To ensure the focus of this collection, articles must position research assessment at the center of their inquiry, rather than offering general views on gender in academia or science. To qualify for this Research Topic, the first or last author should identify as a woman. Topic editors: Zaida Chinchilla-Rodríguez, Jane G. Payumo, Núria Bautista-Puig Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75303/women-in-research-assessment-2026