Fewer and Later: Women as Experts in TED Talks about COVID-19

This study explores gender disparities in scientific communication by analysing TED Talks related to COVID-19, published between March 2020 and March 2021. Despite the platform's global reach and the urgent need for scientific dissemination during the pandemic, female experts were underrepresented (42.19%) and appeared later than their male counterparts. Through content analysis and sentiment evaluation of user comments, the study reveals that women predominantly addressed social and political aspects, while men focused on medical and technological themes. Women's talks attracted lower engagement and received proportionally more negative feedback. These findings suggest persistent gender biases in digital science communication, where platform dynamics and audience reactions may reinforce unequal visibility. The results highlight the need for structural changes in how expert knowledge is showcased and consumed online, especially during crises. This work contributes to understanding gendered patterns of public engagement with science and underscores the importance of equitable representation in emerging media environments.