Participation of Women in Chemical Processes and Catalysis Research: an Analysis of PhD Theses in Spanish Universities

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the presence of women in relation to doctoral theses in Chemical Processes and Catalysis carried out in Spanish universities in the period 2000 to 2022. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories that support research related to doctoral theses and the presence of women in science are presented. It also presents background information on biblometric studies related to doctoral theses and women. Method: The methodology adopted is of the quantitative and descriptive documentary type. Data collection was done by accessing the TESEO database and this information was dumped into an ad hoc database. Then, data standardization process was carried out and the gender of each of the participants in the process of realization and defense of doctoral theses was determined. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the completion of 602 theses, which were carried out in 31 Spanish universities, with the University of the Basque Country standing out as the university institution with the highest production with 21.9%. The contribution of women as part of the research field, whether in academic production, member of the thesis evaluation jury or as part of the evaluation tribunal, has been unrepresentative: 30.76% women compared to 69.24% men. Research Implications: This study has made it possible to identify the most productive Spanish universities in doctoral theses on chemical processes and catalysis. It has also shown that this field is mainly researched by men with a ratio of 2:1 with respect to women. Originality/Value: This study contributes to know the role of women in a specific STEM field such as chemical process chemistry and catalysis.