Gender gaps in the peer review process. Different sources in the evaluation process for the allocation of grants in Argentina

Abstract This paper examines gender gaps in three dimensions of peer review for research grant allocation: relevance, feasibility, and academic background of researchers. The empirical analysis focuses on the Argentinean PICT grant program during 2019–21. Results reveal that female researchers receive lower scores than their male counterparts across all evaluated dimensions. The gender scoring gap is most pronounced among young researchers, particularly in the evaluation of academic background. The evidence suggests that S&T programs aimed at strengthening the scientific system may disproportionately benefit male researchers, particularly in the early stages of their careers. Consequently, horizontal S&T policies that lack a gender perspective risk reinforcing existing barriers to women’s advancement.