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

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Women in cognitive neuroscience, Volume II, 2026