Gender disparity in Canadian Institutes of Health Research funding within neurology

Background: Despite efforts to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, women face gender-based barriers in research, including in neurology. Compared with men, women are less likely to hold leadership positions and be senior authors. Gender disparities in grant funding within neurology have yet to be investigated. We examine gender disparities in Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funding for Canadian neurology divisions and departments.

Methods: Data on CIHR grant recipients and metrics (grant contribution, duration and quantity) within Canadian neurology divisions and departments between 2008 and 2022 were acquired from the CIHR Funding Decisions Database. Gender identity was determined by a validated application programming interface. Gender-based differences in CIHR grant contribution amount, duration and prevalence within neurology were calculated. Subgroup analysis was conducted for Canadian-licensed neurologists and Project Grant awards.

Results: 1604 grants were awarded to Canadian neurology divisions and departments between 2008 and 2022. Compared with men, women received less funding (p<0.0001), shorter grant durations (p<0.0001) and fewer grants (41.5%) annually. Women comprised the minority of recipients (45.5%) and were less likely to be awarded grants (p<0.001) annually relative to men. Differences were consistent in subgroup analyses, except for equal grant durations observed across genders in Project Grant awards.

Conclusion: We report gender disparities in CIHR grant funding to Canadian neurology divisions and departments. Women receive lower contribution amounts, shorter grant durations and fewer grants than men. Future recommendations include addressing gender differences and continuing to evaluate CIHR funding to provide equal opportunities for women in research and funding.