Representation and career trajectories of female principal investigators in clinical trials, 2010-2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gender disparities persist in clinical trial leadership, with women underrepresented as principal investigators (PIs). While previous studies have documented these disparities, they have largely relied on limited datasets focused on specific therapeutic areas. Previous studies have also neglected potential gender differences in trialist career trajectories. This study examines gender representation in clinical trial leadership using the most comprehensive dataset available, assessing trends over time and gender differences in trialist career trajectories.

Methods

I analyzed a large sample of clinical trials submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov from 2010 to 2023. PI gender was inferred using algorithmic classification based on first names. I estimated the probability of

SUBMITTER: Hermosilla M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634453 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature