Plant abiotic stress is one of the most pressing areas of research today, given the increasing pressures from climate change, rising global populations, and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. Despite significant achievements, women remain underrepresented in the scientific community, especially in fields related to STEM and senior academic positions. According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, women constitute only 33% of researchers worldwide. This disparity underscores the necessity for gender equity to harness the full potential of women scientists in addressing the critical challenges of plant abiotic stress.

This Research Topic aims to spotlight outstanding research efforts led by women scientists in the field of plant abiotic stress. By promoting inclusive collaboration and adopting innovative research methodologies, it seeks to challenge and reduce gender disparities. Additionally, this research aligns with UNESCO's vision for a sustainable and equitable future, stressing the role gender equity plays in driving scientific progress and enhancing resilience in agriculture to ensure crop stability and global food security.

To gather further insights in the broad and impactful field of plant abiotic stress, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Analysis of plant responses to abiotic stresses, with a focus on climate change, crop stability, and agricultural resilience

• Studies unraveling the molecular, biochemical, and physiological processes of stress protection and adaptation

• Research utilizing genetic engineering or biotechnological tools to improve crop stress tolerance

• Identification and characterization of genes influencing abiotic stress responses

• Investigations of plants naturally adapted to stress-prone environments, providing insights into genetic and ecological adaptation mechanisms

We invite submissions not only of original research articles but also reviews, methods papers, and perspectives. Our initiative encourages inclusivity and diversity, supporting participation from women, minorities, and early-career researchers while welcoming all contributions in the sphere of plant abiotic stress research.

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Women in Plant Abiotic Stress: 2025