Gender Bias in Publishing in ASM Journals

Abstract

Despite equal gender representation among PhD graduates, advancement of women past this stage decreases at every step in academia. A study of the peer review process in publishing in 15 ASM journals showed that manuscripts submitted by women received more negative outcomes than those submitted by men. Data from this study will be described, followed by an open discussion. The discussion will focus on the implications of this study and possible solutions. Addressing the inherent gender biases in academic structures will be an essential step towards improving the rates of women advancing to higher levels in academia.