Spotlight on Women in Neural Networks and Cognition 2025

Gender disparities have long characterized scientific fields, with women remaining significantly underrepresented among researchers and professionals across the globe. These imbalances are often a result of persistent biases and stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing and advancing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Achieving gender equality in science remains vital for sustainable development, as underlined by organizations such as UNESCO. Addressing these disparities involves challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusive environments, and encouraging greater participation by women in STEM.

This Research Topic aims to highlight and advance the work of women scientists in the domains of neural networks and/or cognition. By providing an exclusive platform, we aim to showcase the breadth and depth of research conducted by women, and to advance our understanding of cognitive processes and models, through pioneering experiments, and interdisciplinary approaches. Our goal is to inspire women to pursue careers in in these domains and to help dismantle the structural barriers and biases that have historically limited their involvement.

To gather comprehensive insights in the field of neural networks and cognition, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Cutting-edge developments in neural network models and cognitive architectures
- Empirical studies investigating neural and cognitive mechanisms
- Methodological advancements in computational neuroscience and cognitive science
- Practical applications of neural networks and cognitive research across real-world settings
- Interdisciplinary contributions that integrate neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence
- Empirical studies and reviews related to women’s health research

Please note: To be eligible for submission in this collection, the first or last author must identify as a woman.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neural Networks, Cognitive Science, Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, Women in Science

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.