World Ranking of Female Scientists in 2023 (2nd Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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On November 20, 2023, Research.com released the 2nd edition of the annual online Ranking of Best Female Scientists in the World.

The objective of this ranking is to provide inspiration to female researchers, women contemplating a career in academia, and global decision-makers by showcasing successful women in the scientific community. The initiative, now on its 2nd edition, is hoped to facilitate the provision of increased opportunities, enhanced visibility, and equitable prospects for women in all fields of science.

We believe that female scientists deserve to be represented and praised for their achievements and yet, in releasing this list, we are at the same time painfully aware that academic research is still a predominantly male profession.

The purpose of this online ranking of the world's leading female scientists is to recognize the efforts of every female scientist who has made the courageous decision to pursue opportunities despite barriers. Their unwavering determination in the face of difficulties serves as a source of motivation for all young women and girls who pursue careers in science.

Key Findings from the 2023 World Ranking of Female Scientists

• Scientists from the United States dominate the top female scientists ranking with 609 scholars from this country being ranked in 2023 (60.9% of the whole ranking).
• Other countries leading the ranking are the UK (96 scientists or 9.6%), and Germany (37 scientists or 3.7%).
• Seven out of 10 female scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• Harvard University is the leader of the 2023 top female scientists ranking, with 40 leading female scholars affiliated with that institution.
• The best female scientist in the world is Professor JoAnn E. Manson from Harvard Medical School, known for her pioneering research in the fields of epidemiology, endocrinology, and women's health.
• 9 out of 10 institutions with the highest number of leading female scientists are based in the US, with the only other institution among them being Oxford University.
• The average number of publications for top female scientists is 565.

The full ranking for the 2023 list of top female scientists in the world can be found here:

TOP FEMALE SCIENTISTS IN THE WORLD 2023

Bias Against Women in Research

In the predominantly male-dominated academic research community, where implicit biases even in authorship endure, this world ranking featuring the most esteemed female scientists signifies a noteworthy accomplishment. For many decades, primary contributors to gender bias, such as a culture dominated by men and gender stereotypes, have left a substantial impact on academic research. Moreover, because women often are expected to juggle professional and familial responsibilities, a lack of support usually impairs their research careers. This inequity in the division of unpaid caregiving and household labor between heterosexual couples is the major finding of 2023 Nobel awardee Claudia Goldin, the third female researcher in the field of economics to receive this recognition. Since its inception in 1901, the rarity of female Nobel laureates has been highlighted. It has raised questions about the exclusion of women researchers, and there is overwhelming evidence that female researchers remain underrepresented, especially in STEM fields.

Examining gender disparities in the most prestigious international research awards, Meho (2021) found that the share of female researchers receiving awards increased from an annual average of 6% in 2002-2005 to 19% in 2016-2020. Despite this significant improvement, the same research also noted that from 2001 to 2020 these awards were received 3,445 times by 2,011 men and 262 women, and 49 of the 141 awards were not received by women at all during 2016-2020. Moreover, when the number of female full professors is taken into consideration, the gender gap remains highly disproportionate in biological and life sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Overall, the study found that women would be expected to increase their share of awards by nearly 50% to achieve parity with men.

Across the world, roughly 33% of persons employed in science research are female. One recent study established that compared to their male peers, women are less likely to be named on a patent or article, and their contributions are often unacknowledged. Among graduate students, female researchers have a 14.97% chance of getting an attribution, while for men it is higher at 21.47%.

Despite their advancements in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, women have not been represented enough. None of the 2021 Science Nobel laureates are women, although in 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna won the chemistry prize for their work on the CRISPR gene editing system, and Andrea Ghez shared in the physics prize for her discovery of a supermassive black hole.

Even with the most recent publications on COVID-19 research from 2020 to 2021, it was found through a longitudinal analysis that the gender gap of first authorships, or the percentage of articles on which men versus women were first authors, widened by 14 percentage points during the pandemic. This is supported by another study which found that during the pandemic, the chances of female researchers having prominent authorship roles which is defined by first, last, or corresponding author positions were negatively impacted. Moreover, there were fewer female writers overall, including coauthors, in manuscripts connected to COVID-19.

While concerning, the results of recent studies demonstrating gender differences in research are not at all surprising. The underrepresentation of women prevails. But we also need to recognize that there are psychosocial factors that need to be addressed to solve this systemic gender inequality.

Consistently observed across numerous studies is the fact that women pursuing careers in STEM are endowed with less social capital. This lack of support and bias against women, according to economist Dr. Alex Krawiec, whose research on leadership and organizational change concentrates specifically on the presence of women in top hierarchies, is deeply ingrained in our culture and institutions. Furthermore, given the scientific community's integration into broader society, individual values and beliefs frequently shape perspectives regarding women.

For Dr. Krawiec, if we are to change this narrative, we have to start with social and organizational culture. She explains that “when it comes to opportunities, women will always be at a disadvantage because of our biological wiring. We cannot completely eliminate all obstacles, but we can make some adjustments to the system to allow women to enter the opportunity fair.” She adds that the bureaucratic and cultural rigidity in academia allows this problem to persist.

Underrepresentation in the scientific community is exacerbated by the absence of policies that address the unique circumstances of female researchers, such as the pressures of family life, and the lack of support from the institutions they represent.

A longitudinal investigation conducted by Huang et al. (2019) to examine gender disparities in scientific professions and fields found that although gender disparities are extensively documented in various fields and nations, the available evidence is inconsistent. By getting a comprehensive picture of the publishing history of 1.5 million gender-identified authors, the team identified that differences in publishing career lengths and dropout rates explain a large portion of the inequalities between male and female researchers in the field of science. As such, both institutions and policymakers play a crucial role in addressing these differences.

Countries with the Best Female Scientists

In absolute values, female scientists from the United States dominate the list with 609 scholars included in 2023 which represents 60.9% of the whole ranking.

Seven out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States. The United Kingdom ranks second with 96 scientists. The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 37 scientists in the ranking.

The other leading countries are Canada with 35 scientists, Australia with 34 scientists, France with 33 scientists, the Netherlands with 29 scientists, and Italy with 26 scholars.

From occupying the sixth spot the previous year, Canada climbed two notches higher to spot 4 ahead of Australia and France.

Please note that the country associated with a scientist is based on their affiliated research institution, not on their actual nationality.

How can advanced education and training empower female scientists?

A comprehensive support framework that includes specialized educational programs, targeted mentorship, and leadership development is pivotal for empowering female researchers. Tailored online initiatives provide flexible pathways enabling scientists to enhance research management skills and build robust professional networks without disrupting ongoing projects. By engaging in advanced learning opportunities such as the quickest masters degree, female scientists can strategically accelerate their career advancement and broaden their impact within the global research community.

How Can Flexible Online Education Enhance Female Scientists’ Career Advancement?

Flexible online education programs serve as a strategic resource for female scientists seeking to advance their careers amid competing professional and personal responsibilities. These courses provide adaptable scheduling and tailored curricula that meet the specific demands of research professionals. By engaging in focused studies through affordable online colleges, female scientists can acquire specialized skills, build professional networks, and enhance leadership capabilities. This approach not only supports immediate skill development but also contributes to long-term career growth by offering alternative pathways to overcome traditional barriers in academia.

How Can Alternative Career Paths Expand Opportunities for Female Scientists?

Exploring alternative career trajectories can offer female scientists additional avenues for professional growth and work–life balance. Beyond academia, roles in industry, consulting, and emerging digital platforms enable flexible engagements and reduced geographical constraints. Such alternative paths provide not only financial stability but also the opportunity to translate research expertise into practical innovations. Female scientists considering diversified career models may find value in pursuing credentials that support remote and non-traditional work environments. For instance, obtaining the best associate degrees for remote work can empower those looking to integrate research with flexible employment opportunities while maintaining a robust connection to the scientific community.

Institutions with the Best Female Scientists

In the 2023 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the top institution with 40 female scientists included in the ranking. Following the top position is the National Institutes of Health with 33 scientists, with Stanford University occupying third place with 27 scientists.

Both the MIT and Mayo Clinic made it to the top 10 institutions this year, with 15 and 14 female scientists included in the top 1000 list, respectively.

American universities and institutions constitute 90% of the top 10 leading institutions except for Oxford University at the sixth spot.

Three out of 10 institutions affiliated with the top 1% of leading scientists are based outside the US. These spots are occupied by two scientists from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the UK who hold the fifth and eighth ranks, respectively. A scientist from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands secured the ninth spot.

Institutions are pivotal in fostering the development and progression of female researchers through the implementation of policies that increase diversity in the workplace. In the end, gender discrimination transcends mere gender stereotyping. Conversely, it manifests itself in inadequate remuneration transparency and refusal of parental leave, both of which disproportionately impact women due to the challenges associated with starting a family.

Promoting STEM to address the underrepresentation of women in science is another important step being taken by forward-thinking institutions today. By establishing diverse role models in science and supporting extracurricular STEM programs, a positive association between girls and science is formed even at an early age. However, hurdles remain. A recent study has revealed that the Australian curriculum largely neglects female scientists. The researchers caution that this lack of representation may be a contributing factor to the gender disparity in the field of STEM.

The research, which was published in the Australian Journal of Education, examined the curriculum of the four STEM subjects (biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science) that are taught in Australian institutions in years 11 and 12. Only one female scientist, British chemist Rosalind Franklin, was mentioned in secondary school curricula in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia.

Female Scientists Reaching a Wider Audience Through Online Platforms

The emergence of online universities has facilitated the enrollment of young female STEM students in courses taught by female scientists. It is crucial for educational institutions to ensure a sufficient number of female STEM instructors who can serve as exemplars. Research has shown that the presence of female professors significantly promotes the interest of female students in STEM fields.

The digital platform has emerged as a significant conduit through which prominent female scientists can engage with broader audiences in order to increase their visibility and retention rates. By means of online laboratory excursions and webinars coordinated by women-empowerment organizations and diverse academic institutions, students residing from various parts of the world are afforded the opportunity to engage with renowned female scientists while also forging a support system.

In addition to the online university programs offered by prestigious institutions that feature lectures and classes taught by leading female scientists, organizations like the Georgia Tech Center for the Study of Women, Science, and Technology and the Women in Science and Technology Program at Argonne National Laboratory also employ such scientists. Such initiatives facilitate the emergence of female scientists as exemplars, a pivotal factor in the advancement and continued participation of women in STEM fields.

How Can a PhD without dissertation Empower Female Scientists?

Alternative doctoral pathways, including programs that offer a PhD without dissertation, provide a viable option for female scientists who require flexible learning schedules and a tailored academic experience. These programs emphasize targeted coursework and project-based research to meet evolving professional demands without the traditional dissertation requirement. This approach can accelerate skill acquisition and leadership development, enabling researchers to quickly adapt to emerging scientific challenges and enhance their career trajectories.

What Policy Initiatives Can Bridge the Gender Gap in Scientific Research?

A robust policy framework is critical for addressing longstanding inequities in the scientific community. Targeted governmental and institutional strategies can include the development of transparent funding models, equitable grant distribution systems, and mandatory diversity benchmarks for research organizations. Collaborative measures—such as enforcing flexible work arrangements and strengthening accountability for gender discrimination—further contribute to a supportive environment. In addition, strategic alliances with educational providers offering online programs can facilitate continuous professional development and adaptive learning models tailored to female scientists’ unique needs.

Scientific Disciplines Represented by the Best Female Scientists

The best female scientists in the world are predominantly publishing their work in the field of medicine, with 468 (46.8%) of ranked scholars having the majority of their publications in that area. Other popular areas of research among female scholars are physics (10.8%), immunology medicine, biology and biochemistry (4.4%), genetics medicine (4.2%), and psychology (4.1%).

Five out of 10 female scholars in the top 1% of our ranking publish predominantly in the field of medicine, while the other disciplines represented in the top 1% are genetics and molecular biology, psychology, and physics.

According to a study conducted by an organization dedicated to promoting science among girls and women through social media, female graduate and postdoctoral researchers are currently involved in the fields of biological sciences (42%), earth, space, and ocean sciences (22%), and physical sciences (8%). The research indicates that female scientists specializing in earth and ocean sciences in the United States currently have a greater number of doctoral degrees compared to their male counterparts.

Although gradual, there is a noticeable shift occurring in the worldwide research scene. The purpose of publishing this yearly compilation of the foremost 1000 female scientists is to underscore the notion that, when provided with suitable opportunities, women researchers are capable of excelling in all scientific domains.

H-Index Ranking: Leaders, Averages, and Distribution

In terms of the impact of a particular female scientist or the h-index, Professor JoAnn E. Manson from Harvard Medical School is at the top of the list for North America. She also leads the top 1000 list with an h-index of 297.

Professor Kay-Tee Khaw from the University of Cambridge tops the list for Europe, placing fifth in the world ranking with an h-index of 201.

For Oceania, Professor Louisa Degenhardt from the University of New South Wales in Australia leads the list of female scientists in the region. She holds the 107th spot in the world ranking.

Professor Seang-Mei Saw from the National University of Singapore tops the list for Asia with an h-index of 115. In the world ranking, she is at number 421.

The top female scientist in Africa is Profesor Linda-Gail Bekker from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. She is at number 752 in the top 1000 list.

Finally, for South America, Professor Maria-Teresa Dova from the National University of La Plata in Argentina is the top scientist and is also ranked number 40 among female scientists across the globe.

The average h-index for the top 1% of scientists is 213 against an average of 119 for the top 1000 female scientists included in the ranking. The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2023 has an h-index of 98. The average number of published articles for the top 1% of scientists in the ranking is 1387 against an average of 565 for the top 1000 female scholars.

For the top 1% of scientists, the average number of citations is 204,828 against an average of 65,971 for the top 1000 female scholars. The most frequently cited female scientist is JoAnn E. Manson, the top female scientist, with 330,983 citations.

You can learn more about the methodology used to create the ranking here.

A Worldwide Ranking in Recognition of Female Scientists

In the 2023 ranking, over 166,880 scientist profiles spanning 24 research disciplines were scrutinized on a wide range of bibliometric sources including OpenAlex and CrossRef. Various indicators and metrics were assessed to determine the inclusion of each scientist in the ranking.

The criterion for determining whether a scholar merited consideration was determined systematically across scientific disciplines, although it was typically between 30 and 40. The selection process for academicians to be included in the ranking of preeminent female scientists involves evaluating their h-index, the proportion of their contributions that fall within the specified discipline, as well as their accolades and accomplishments.

What Educational Choices Can Accelerate Female Scientists’ Career Growth?

Strategic educational decisions in early academic careers are critical for fostering long-term success in scientific research. Female scientists can benefit from analyzing diverse academic programs and curricula that align with their research interests and personal commitments. By weighing options such as interdisciplinary studies, flexible course formats, and targeted degree programs, emerging talents can build a strong foundation that supports both advanced research and professional advancement. Additionally, evaluating educational paths that offer optimal work–life balance and tailored support systems may mitigate traditional challenges in STEM. For a comprehensive look into alternative educational pathways, consider exploring what is the easiest college major. This analysis not only helps in making informed decisions but also reinforces the role of education in advancing equitable and sustainable careers in science.

How Can Professional Certifications Enhance Career Opportunities for Female Scientists?

Supplementing academic achievements with targeted professional certifications equips female scientists with agile, industry-relevant skills that bridge theoretical research and practical applications. This strategy helps individuals quickly address emerging skill gaps, diversify their expertise, and position themselves for leadership roles within both academic and private sectors. By engaging in certificate programs online for high paying careers, they access concise, specialized training designed to meet evolving market demands, thereby reinforcing career advancement and promoting sustainable workforce diversity.

Women Scientists Breaking Barriers

The publication of the second edition of the annual ranking for the top 1000 female scientists worldwide is an indication that efforts in the field of STEM to address the disparity between genders are gradually gaining traction. From 2002 to 2022, the percentage of women in engineering has slowly increased. From 44% in 2002, female biological scientists outnumbered males and reached 57.9% in 2022. The number of female chemists and materials scientists also climbed from 29.8% in 2002 to 46.3% in 2022.

Female scientists face multiple challenges in a predominantly male-dominated field. Nevertheless, these female scientists consistently displayed a deliberate decision to prioritize their pursuit of knowledge and the development of their abilities, concurrently seeking out occasions for further learning and personal advancement.

These women fully understood not just the challenges but also the dangers as what has been revealed by women scientists in a remote research station in Antarctica who experienced rampant sexual harassment. In fact, half of women scientists worldwide have experienced sexual harassment based on a survey of more than 5,000 researchers across 117 countries. But this unfavorable environment is no match to the grit of these top 1000 female scientists who are willing to pave the way for a more inclusive research environment.

Dr. Krawiec highlighted several good advancements that contribute to the equitable provision of opportunities for women. These include special funding schemes, incentives for maternity leave, and the organization of satellite events during conferences. Nevertheless, Dr. Krawiec acknowledges that these endeavors remain inadequate in tackling both historical and contemporary challenges. More needs to be done to advance the role of women in research.

The mere presence of a greater number of female scientists does not suffice to attain gender parity in the realm of research. Dr. Orchard identifies the dearth of women in prominent leadership roles and the persistent male-dominated culture that dictates scientific funding, publication, and recognition as significant barriers for women in the field. Furthermore, the portrayal of scientific research, both within academic spheres and in the wider public sphere, frequently serves to underscore the prejudice that exists against women. Often, significant women in science go unacknowledged. “The deeply-rooted male culture remains at the bedrock of many research and educational institutions,” Dr. Orchard asserts. She adds that “While gender equity is widely discussed in forums and hiring initiatives, what often happens is that women are included with racialized, differently abled, and other equity-deserving groups as a strategic goal, a target for the university to hit to secure various kinds of funding and social prestige as a place that makes women ‘count'”.

Even in research grant amounts and re-applications, women researchers receive substantially less funding. According to a large meta-analysis of studies on the topic, women receive an average of about $342,000 compared to men's $659,000. Additionally, women had a lower likelihood of obtaining follow-up grants for their research. While equal numbers of male and female scientists were funded for their first grant applications, 9% fewer women than their male counterparts were funded for their reapplications. These disparities actually stand in the way of women's sustained success in research.

For Dr. Orchard, more women should be in funding boards, government and community agencies, the media, and other leadership positions. This is to counter the ongoing feminization of certain kinds of service-oriented committee work while men occupy the top positions. Dr. Krawiec agrees but thinks that a woman gaining a position on board is not enough, because what will sustain the movement for equality is women supporting one another, not just in the field of scientific research but in every role that they take on in the community.

Quoting Ruth Bader Ginsburg who asserted that “women belong in all places where decisions are being made”, Dr. Krawiec strongly believes that discrimination of any kind is unacceptable. When asked why this problem still persists, she replied that she sees this problem “as an embarrassment to all of us. And my perspective on misrepresentation and bias against women is that of a disappointed citizen of the 21st-century world. By now, it should already be obvious to everyone, that discrimination of any kind is simply wrong. Every time women with merits and potential are discriminated against, societies are losing on multiple levels. This truth is universal across all scientific fields and in every social context.”

From 38.8% in 1991 to 55.7% in 2021, an increasing proportion of female scientists are seeing their publishing careers flourishing in the life sciences, despite the obstacles. Within the same time frame, the percentage of female research doctorate recipients in the physical and earth sciences increased from 19.2% to 35.1%.

With much hope, we look forward to continuing to publish our annual list as more women choose to pursue scientific research until the gender gap disappears and female scientists are treated equally with all scientists worldwide.

About Research.com

All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.

Research.com is the number one research portal for science and educational rankings. Our mission is to make it easier for professors, research fellows, and students to progress with their research and find the top experts in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Research.com is also a leading educational platform that helps students find the best colleges, academic opportunities, and career paths.