Women Researchers from Non-English, Low-Income Countries Publish Up to 70% Fewer Papers, Study Finds

A recent study published in PLOS Biology has revealed striking disparities in scientific publication rates based on gender, language, and economic background. Women scientists, especially those from low-income countries where English is not the primary language, publish significantly fewer papers in peer-reviewed English-language journals compared to male native English speakers from high-income countries. This research highlights systemic barriers that limit fair participation in global science and calls for more inclusive evaluation practices.

The study, conducted by researchers from institutions across Australia, Germany, Colombia, Nepal, the US, and the UK, surveyed 908 environmental scientists from diverse backgrounds, including those speaking Bangladeshi, Bolivian, British, Japanese, Nepali, Nigerian, Spanish, or Ukrainian. The researchers found that being a woman is associated with up to a 45% reduction in the number of English-language publications compared to men. When additionally factoring in non-native English-speaking status and low-income country affiliation, the reduction in English-language publications rises to 70% compared to male native English speakers from high-income countries.

Key Findings and Developments

The investigators noted that women tend to be less likely to hold tenured academic positions and more likely to leave academia, which directly impacts their productivity in publishing. They also highlighted language barriers as a significant obstacle, where non-native English speakers face rejection rates up to 2.6 times higher due to challenges with the English language in scientific communication.

Interestingly, the study reported that considering scientific publications in non-English languages shifts the publication rates. In fact, non-native English speakers at early to mid-career stages are shown to publish more peer-reviewed papers than native English speakers when non-English journals are included. Similarly, researchers from low-income countries also publish more papers when non-English language publications are considered. However, the gender gap persists, with women publishing fewer papers overall, regardless of language.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Clara Mendoza, a senior researcher in environmental science not involved in the study, explains, “This study sheds light on the layered disadvantages faced by women scientists who are also non-native English speakers and from economically disadvantaged countries. It’s not just about individual ability or effort—systemic factors like funding access, institutional support, and language barriers shape these outcomes.”

The study’s corresponding author emphasizes that the results should caution against evaluating scientific productivity solely based on English-language publications. “We must recognize and value contributions presented in other languages and account for the social and economic contexts of researchers to assess their true scientific impact,” the authors note.

Implications for Public Health and Science

Publication in peer-reviewed journals is a key metric used in granting research funding, academic promotions, and professional recognition. The underrepresentation of certain groups in the scientific literature constrains diversity in research perspectives, which ultimately affects the breadth and relevance of scientific knowledge. For public health, this imbalance could hinder the inclusion of essential insights from regions and populations that are already marginalized.

The gaps identified suggest the need for journals, funding agencies, and academic institutions to implement more equitable policies and support systems. This could include language assistance services, more inclusive citation and impact metrics, and targeted career development programs for women researchers in low-income, non-English-speaking countries.

Limitations and Balanced Perspective

While the study robustly surveys a sizable cohort of environmental scientists, it primarily focuses on English-language publication metrics, which dominate global scientific communication. The acknowledgment of non-English publications introduces complexity into the analysis, revealing that productivity assessments limited to English journals underestimate the output of non-native English speakers. Additionally, the survey’s reliance on self-reported career stages and publication counts may carry some bias.

Critics caution that addressing these disparities requires systemic change beyond publication metrics, including tackling broader social norms, gender roles, and economic inequities that limit women’s participation and advancement in science.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

For readers considering research careers or supporting academic diversity, the findings reinforce the importance of advocating for inclusive environments that recognize diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Institutions should foster mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and resources to address language barriers. Health and science communication platforms can play a role by highlighting global contributions beyond dominant languages and contexts.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

Reference Section

1. The Week, “Women researchers from non-English low-income countries publish significantly fewer papers,” Sep 19, 2025.