Gender disparities in authorship: A fifteen-year bibliometric analysis of interventional radiology journals

Abstract

Introduction

This study explores the evolution of authorship dynamics in Interventional Radiology over a fifteen-year period, with a focus on gender disparities. It aims to illuminate the representation of female authors in high-impact IR journals, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender diversity, especially in leadership roles.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on articles published from 2008 to 2023, systematically assessing trends in female first and last authorships, as well as their overall contribution to total authorship within prominent IR journals.

Results

The analysis revealed a fluctuating trajectory in female authorship. Female first authorship peaked in 2011, followed by a decline through 2012-2013, and subsequently rebounded by 2023. Female last authorship exhibited a similar non-linear pattern, with an initial decline from 2008 to 2013, before gradually increasing in recent years. Overall, the presence of female authors in IR publications has steadily grown, with a notable rise in the proportion of publications featuring female authors and an increase in the average number of female contributors per article by 2023.

Conclusion

Despite the overall growth in female authorship, significant disparities persist, particularly in senior authorship positions. These findings highlight the need for sustained efforts to address gender inequities in IR, emphasizing the importance of robust policies and support systems to promote women's advancement within the field.