Women in cognitive neuroscience, Volume II, 2026

At present, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. Long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are discouraging girls and women from pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research. Science and gender equality are, however, essential to ensure sustainable development as highlighted by UNESCO. Although underrepresented, and sometimes unacknowledged, female researchers have been crucial to scientific advances. In order to change traditional mindsets, gender equality must be promoted, stereotypes defeated, and girls and women should be encouraged to pursue STEM careers. This Research Topic aims to contribute to these important efforts by showcasing recent advances in cognitive neuroscience driven by female researchers.

The Cognitive Neuroscience section is proud to shed light on great female researchers and provide them with a platform to showcase their work and role in open science. This editorial initiative, led by Dr. Mekary and Dr. Bruno highlights particular advances in Cognitive Neuroscience research, and follows the success of the first topic launched in 2023, now presenting its second volume.

Although all manuscripts in relation to Cognitive Neuroscience are welcome, of particular relevance are articles on the following:

• AI in cognitive neuroscience

• Multisensory integration and sensorimotor processing in healthy and clinical populations

• Noninvasive brain stimulation and its impact on bodily self-representation and motor control

• Psychophysiological techniques to investigate brain-body interactions

• Investigating the links between neurodegenerative diseases and mental health/illness

• Examining the effects of stress, exercise, and nutrition on the brain

• Exploring the impact of smoking, pollution, and cannabis on brain function

Please note: to be considered for this collection, the first or last author should be a researcher who identifies as female, and we welcome co-authors of all genders, with a preference for majority female representation on the co-author list.

#CollectionSeries

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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... 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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: cognitive neuroscience, AI, multisensory integration, sensorimotor processing, brain stimulation, stress, nutrition, exercise, smoking, mental health

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.