This report draws on a collection of Elsevier’s high-quality data sources and analytics expertise. It is an examination of research participation, career progression and perceptions across the globe.

• Among first authors, the average citation impact of men is higher than that of women, suggesting gender bias in citation practice.
• In every country, the percentage of women who continue to publish is lower than men who continue to publish.
• There are two opposing opinions on the causes of gender imbalance and inequality in academia. Some groups (men and women) attribute gender inequality to the attitudes and ambition levels of women. Other groups attribute gender inequality to a systemic and cultural (unconscious) bias against women.