Leaves and Scientific Careers: Impacts on the Academic Production of Female Engineering Researchers in Brazil

Abstract

Gender inequality in science remains a significant challenge, especially in historically masculinized fields such as engineering. One of the factors that contribute to these disparities is the way in which personal life events, such as motherhood, impact the trajectory and scientific productivity of female researchers. This study analyzes the effects of maternity leave on the careers of female scientists working in engineering in Brazil, based on curriculum data from the Lattes platform and other complementary sources. The research evaluates indicators such as bibliographic production, fundraising, career progression, and participation in collaboration networks before and after periods of leave. By quantifying and qualifying these impacts, the study seeks to provide evidence to support more equitable institutional policies and compensation mechanisms that consider gender specificities in the evaluation of scientific production.