Global gender disparities in editorial leadership of radiology journals: a cross-sectional analysis of bibliometric and economic associations

TL;DR

This study finds that women are underrepresented in editorial leadership roles in radiology journals, with some links to journal performance metrics.

Contribution

The study identifies a modest association between Eigenfactor Score and female representation in radiology editorial leadership.

Findings

Women represented 20.2% of all editorial members, with the lowest representation in Q2 journals.

Eigenfactor Score was significantly associated with increased female representation (p = 0.0494).

Geographic disparities were observed, with some countries achieving parity and others having no female representation.

Abstract

To evaluate gender representation among editors-in-chief and deputy editors of radiology journals indexed in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and to analyze associations with bibliometric indicators and global economic classification.

A cross-sectional study was performed using publicly available data from radiology-related journals listed in the 2024 JCR (released June 2025). Journals were included if the editorial board composition was accessible online. Gender was identified through institutional profiles and standardized databases. Descriptive statistics summarized gender distribution. Associations between gender, editorial role, bibliometric performance, and World Bank income classification were tested using chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation, and nominal logistic regression.

Of 204 eligible journals, 135 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 387 editorial members. Women represented 20.2% of all editors, 21.4% of deputy editors, and 18.4% of editors-in-chief. Female representation was highest in Q1 journals (26.0%) and lowest in Q2 (15.1%). A significant association was observed between Eigenfactor Score and female representation (p = 0.0494), whereas no association was found with journal impact factor or income classification. Geographic disparities were evident, with some countries achieving parity while others had no female representation.

Gender inequities remain pronounced in radiology editorial leadership, particularly at the editor-in-chief level. Higher Eigenfactor Scores may modestly correlate with improved inclusion. Transparent policies and targeted interventions are required to address structural inequities and advance diversity in academic publishing.

Gender disparities exist in radiology editorial leadership, and the Eigenfactor Score was found to be associated with female representation. By providing a comprehensive overview, the findings underscore the structural barriers that limit diversity and the importance of transparent, equity-focused editorial policies.

Gender disparities persist in radiology editorial boards, with women underrepresented at both deputy editor and editor-in-chief levels.Eigenfactor Score, but not impact factor or national income classification, was significantly associated with increased female representation.Gender disparities persist across editorial leadership roles in radiology, underscoring the need for transparent policies and structural reforms to promote greater equity.

Gender disparities persist in radiology editorial boards, with women underrepresented at both deputy editor and editor-in-chief levels.

Eigenfactor Score, but not impact factor or national income classification, was significantly associated with increased female representation.

Gender disparities persist across editorial leadership roles in radiology, underscoring the need for transparent policies and structural reforms to promote greater equity.

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