Research trends in Australia and New Zealand Nephrology: basic science and gender equity in peril

Abstract

Basic science research remains fundamental to progress in clinical care, understanding of disease pathophysiology and underpinning the evolution of personalised medicine. Exposure to research is pivotal to educating students, but a declining profile of basic science research has the potential to erode research capacity further. The capacity for women to engage in research and remain in academia long term is continually challenged by negative gender-based experiences and institutional barriers. The authors explored themes and authorship of abstracts presented at Australia and New Zealand--based nephrology conferences, as a surrogate marker of trends in research activity and gender engagement. Basic science research and female senior authorship declined during the study period, which has serious implications for the future of nephrology.

Worker equity in renal medicine

“…In the first study, themes and authorship of broad research area within abstracts published during 2005-2020 Annual Scientific Meetings of the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) were explored. 1 Rogers et al reported an increase in nonbasic science research abstracts, and female first authors of those abstracts during this time, although there were proportionately fewer female presenters of basic science research. 1 The total number of abstracts over time or the definition of abstract role seniority was not clearly defined, either by advanced technical expertise, hierarchies of competency, years in the industry or professional role assignment.…”

“…Physician qualities are humanistic, and practices are accountable to peer and societal expectations. We discuss two studies, by Rogers et al 1 and Francis et al, 2 published in this issue of the Internal Medicine Journal. Using different research methods, each having recognised limitations, the role of worker inequality with gender, ethnicity, professional role and leadership was examined.…”

“…In contrast, increased clinical and health services research abstracts may have occurred following Australia's implementation of activity‐based funding in 2014 4 . The impact on the breadth and scope of societal benefit by both lower access to basic science knowledge discovery and lower access to gender‐balanced research leadership was argued 1 …”

“…4 The impact on the breadth and scope of societal benefit by both lower access to basic science knowledge discovery and lower access to gender-balanced research leadership was argued. 1 The second study, commissioned by the ANZSN Equity and Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, invited ANZSN members to complete an online survey of workforce experiences. 2 Respondents were 21.6% of the membership, who identified as female (59%), of White race (61%), Australian born (40%), primary role identified as nephrologist (75%) and aged 40-59 years (51%).…”

“…In the first study, themes and authorship of broad research area within abstracts published during 2005–2020 Annual Scientific Meetings of the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) were explored 1 . Rogers et al .…”