GENDER INEQUALITY IN BRAZILIAN SCIENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF CNPQ PQ 1A SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE AREAS OF MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

This. One strategy for examining the gender composition of the main scientific posts in Brazil is to analyze the distribution of Research Productivity grants (PQ) from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), one of the country's main science and technology development agencies. Consequently, the present study sought to examine the prevalence of researchers in mathematics, physics, and chemistry holding PQ grants at the 1A level, the highest tier of these awards. Additionally, it aimed to analyze the profile of female recipients under this funding category. This investigation is characterized as a qualitative and descriptive study, utilizing bibliographic and documentary research methods to gather information. Data collection regarding PQ scholarships was conducted in 2021, following the subsequent procedures: 1) accessing the CNPq portal to gather information regarding grant distribution by knowledge area and gender; 2) reviewing the curricula vitae (Lattes Platform) of the awarded women to identify common characteristics and differences among them. From an analytical perspective, data concerning postgraduate education, professional affiliation, publication output, and number of completed graduate supervision projects were examined. The findings revealed a notable gender disparity in grant allocation, out of 141 recipients identified, 129 were men while only 12 were women. The profile analysis of female PQ grantees demonstrated a group with high research productivity and significant experience in training human resources. It is concluded that achieving a more equitable distribution of these grants requires implementing public policies that support women in science, aiming to change conditions that impact them disproportionately or exclusively.