Unpacking gender disparities in grant-seeking behavior at the University of Cambridge: Analysis by discipline and seniority

Abstract

Abstract A diverse body of empirical research has produced mixed findings on gender disparities in research funding. Only a few of these studies effectively control for the structural factors of discipline and seniority of applicants. We have conducted the first institution-wide analysis of grant applications using high-resolution administrative data to understand gender-based disparities in funding. We included 18,583 applications submitted between 2015 and 2023 and assessed whether women applied for grants at different rates, requested different amounts, or had different success rates. After adjusting for seniority and discipline, we found no evidence of consistent gender disparities in application rate. Historical disparities in application size in favor of men were observed but did not persist. Weak evidence for disparities in success rate was observed in favor of women, which disappeared after controlling for application size. However, when examining individual disciplines and seniorities, gender disparities in both directions were observed for rate, size, and success. These findings highlight the importance of separating structural and individual factors in understanding funding disparities to allow for effective interventions; the value of institutional administrative data in allowing similar analysis; and the role of structural (career stage and disciplinary) disparities in the gender disparities seen in scientific research.