Is There Gender Disparity in RANZCR Radiation Oncology Grants and Prizes Success?

Abstract

Introduction: Recent RANZCR studies have demonstrated gender disparity in research publication output of both radiation oncology (RO) trainees and specialists, favouring men. The purpose of this project was to examine success rates by gender of grant and prize (G&P) submissions to the RO Research Committee (RORC) to determine if anything needs to be done about the appraisal process to potentially address that disparity.

Methods: College records between 2011 and 2024 (where applicable) were searched by gender for one RO trainee, and two other research manuscript prizes, and two research grant rounds. During that period, the averaged gender ratio for the RO Faculty specialist membership was M:F = 61%:39%. Fisher's exact test p < 0.05 was considered significant with respect to gender disparity.

Results: Relative to the gender ratio of applicants, there were no statistically significant gender differences between winners for any of the five G&Ps individually (p ≥ 0.15 for each), or in composite (p = 0.25). Although application rates overall (M:F = 62%:38%) were consistent with the membership gender ratio, women were markedly less likely to apply for prizes (25% of applicants) than grants (44%).

Conclusion: No gender disparity was found for winners of the five RO G&Ps individually or overall relative to applicant gender ratios. Accordingly, it does not appear that the RORC needs to change its assessment processes in relation to gender. However, women were under-represented in prize applications, reflecting previously reported gender differences in award-seeking behaviour.