New policy brief: Leveraging scientific publishing for systemic change

Scientific publications play a crucial role in academic validation, career growth, and shaping research discussions. However, traditional publishing practices have often overlooked the importance of gender sensitivity. In a new policy brief, MINDtheGEPs offers recommendations for integrating a gender perspective into academic publishing.

The policy brief presents a set of guidelines from MINDtheGEPs, designed to reshape the approach to gender in academic publishing and promote inclusivity at every stage of the research process.

The recommendations are directed at four key target groups:

  • Students and early-career researchers: Early exposure to gender-sensitive practices fosters awareness and builds the foundation for inclusive research.
  • Senior researchers and educators: Senior academics shape research culture and influence emerging researchers, making their engagement essential.
  • Editors and reviewers: Editors and reviewers are gatekeepers of scientific knowledge. Their practices influence fairness and inclusivity in publishing.
  • Gender equality educators: These educators promote systemic change by raising awareness and providing tools to challenge biases.

Santinhos, M. (2025). Reviewing for gender equality: Leveraging scientific publishing for systemic change. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15129221

About the recommendations

This brief is based on a MINDtheGEPs deliverable with a set of recommended guidelines for promoting gender sensitivity in scientific publications. The recommendations in the policy brief are intended for a wide range of stakeholders in academia to emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to gender equality in research practices.

Santinhos, Miguel., Colaiacomo, Claudio., Rosetta, Federica., Żadkowska, Magdalena., Kosakowska-Berezecka, Natasza., Balzano, Angela., & Solera, Cristina. (2024). D6.4 – Gendering Scientific Publications Guidelines. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10591871

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MINDtheGEPs (Modifying Institutions by Developing Gender Equality Plans) has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 101006543.

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