Abstract
There has been increased cognizance of gender inequity and the importance of an inclusive and diverse approach to scientific research in recent years. However, the innovative work of women scientists is still undervalued based on reports of fewer women in leadership positions, limited citations of research spearheaded by women, reduced federal grant awards, and lack of recognition. Women have been involved in trailblazing work that paved the way for contemporary scientific inquiry. The strides made in current neuroscience include contributions from women who deserve more recognition. In this review, we discuss the work of four women whose groundbreaking scientific work has made ineffaceable marks in the neuroscience field. These women are pioneers of research and innovators and, in addition, contribute to positive change that bolsters the academic community and society. This article celebrates these women scientists, their substantial impacts in neuroscience, and the positive influence of their work on advancing society and culture.
Highlights
Discourses about diversity, equity, and the representation of women have been at the forefront of social and institutional conversations worldwide (Clark and Hurd, 2020; Berryhill and Desrochers, 2021; Cortes, 2021)
It has been repeatedly reported that diversity enhances excellence and innovation due to the variety of thoughts and the breadth and scope of research questions that can arise from different lived experiences (Swartz et al, 2019)
There has been an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and equity in science research, the data still indicates that women in scientific fields face persistent challenges and biases as they strive to attain success and take on leadership roles (Schrouff et al, 2019; Swartz et al, 2019; Fulvio et al, 2021)
Summary
Discourses about diversity, equity, and the representation of women have been at the forefront of social and institutional conversations worldwide (Clark and Hurd, 2020; Berryhill and Desrochers, 2021; Cortes, 2021). The year of 2020, accompanied by the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, further highlighted racial and gendered inequalities (Cortes, 2021). The disparities that emerged in career stability for women during the pandemic emphasized the need to create policies in the social and work world to navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion fruitfully (Berryhill and Desrochers, 2021; Cortes, 2021; Machlovi et al, 2021). Numerous women in neuroscience have made historic contributions to the field, furthering knowledge despite the challenges of gender discrimination and limited acknowledgment in the scientific community (Metitieri and Mele, 2020; Machlovi et al, 2021)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
