Editorial: Women in molecular and cellular oncology

Despite clear evidence that diversity increases the quality and impact of science (1–3), there remains more to be done to achieve gender equality. While the number of female students and post-doctoral fellows can equal or even exceed that of males in most organizations, the ratios are reversed at more senior levels with a much greater representation of scientists identifying as male (4). Male scientists are also more likely to be cited in papers and to successfully secure research grants (5, 6). In relation to awards and recognition, less than 4% of Nobel Prizes for science have been awarded to women (7). Various organizations and associations are endeavoring to bridge this gap by implementing new approaches that support women, such as achieving equitable conditions of work, recruitment and promotion, appraisal, training, and pay without discrimination. This inaugural Research Topic “Women in molecular and cellular oncology” is one of such initiatives providing a platform that promotes STEMM research by women, by inviting first or senior author contributions from scientists identifying as female. In this Research Topic, there are 14 articles led by women on various aspects of several cancer types. Waldhorn et al. have compiled data from clinical trials from the last two decades, highlighting women underrepresentation in leading positions in oncology clinical trials. Although the percentage of female principal investigators in oncology clinical trials has been slowly increasing, mainly with respect to cancers more common in females, such as breast cancer, the increase is slow worldwide and more so in Asia.