Female Representation Among CORE Grant Recipients by Research Subspeciality

Abstract

This study evaluates the gender distribution of Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grants by research subspeciality over the past decade. Demographic information on CORE grant recipients from 2010 to 2019 was extracted through an Internet search, and research projects were categorized by subspeciality. Of 343 grants awarded during this period, 127 (37%) were awarded to women. Analysis demonstrated lower absolute rates of CORE funding for women in all fields except pediatrics, but women receive a proportional number of grants for most subspecialities based on their representation within the field.

Characterizing gender trends in head and neck fellowship graduates from 2008 to 2018

“…One resource for supporting early career research is the Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grant, often funded to resident physicians and junior faculty. A recent study found that women made up 37% of CORE grant recipients from 2010 to 2019, proportional to the number of women entering the field of otolaryngology 16 . Similarly, 36% of Head and Neck CORE grants were awarded to females 16 .…”

“…A recent study found that women made up 37% of CORE grant recipients from 2010 to 2019, proportional to the number of women entering the field of otolaryngology. 16 Similarly, 36% of Head and Neck CORE grants were awarded to females. 16 Other studies have found that residents who were awarded a CORE grant enter academic careers at a higher rate and are more likely to obtain NIH funding in the future, 17,18 yet further research is needed to ascertain whether this early support of female surgeon-scientists impacts future productivity and academic advancement.…”