Gender bias in the allocation of student grants

Abstract Multiple studies have shown that women’s likelihood of receiving research funding is lower than their male colleagues. Thus far, all on this gender gap in academia has focused post-PhD academics, making it difficult to discern whether the female disadvantages number publications, previous grants, maternity leave, and h-indexes are at root received funding, or due a more fundamental bias academia. Therefore, we investigated university students already disadvantaged first grant scientific career. We analysed data applications ( N = 2651) from 1995 2018 Leiden University International Study Fund (LISF), fund dedicated support study conduct abroad. found men women applied equally often LISF. However, had success rate, which seemed only get worse over recent years. Furthermore, were assessed be equal quality when gender-related information was removed them. The current demonstrates factors assumed contribute most senior academics (e.g. h-index) do not explain fully: even those yet play role, such as our student sample, rates men. This underscores importance attacking biases its roots.