Gender imbalance in doctoral education: an analysis of the Spanish university system (1977–2021)

Abstract Doctoral education is a key feature of university systems, as well basic foundation scientific practice. That period culminates in dissertation and examination the candidate that has been studied from several points view. This paper reports results an analysis on evolution characteristics gender imbalance complete doctoral system for wide time. Data database Teseo was used order to identify individuals involved process, fields which dissertations where classified, institutions took place. Results: Spanish shows clear towards balance, but also some concerning trends are worth tracking. Seemingly, STEM disciplines look be evolving more slowly than other branches science aspects. A leaky pipeline characterized this around roles supervisors, candidates, members chairs committees. Gender assortativity described, its possible effects discussed academic relations surround examination.