Editorial: Women in radiology: neuroimaging and neurotechnology

Despite notable progress, women remain underrepresented across STEM disciplines, including neuroscience and radiology. Globally, women constitute about one-third of the research workforce. In neuroscience, women comprise over half of doctoral candidates, yet they occupy fewer than 14% of tenure-track faculty positions. A similar disparity is observed in radiology, where women account for approximately 25% of practicing radiologists and just 13% of leadership roles. These disparities underscore the persistent gender gap stunting scientific progress, as without gender equality in science; scientific progress can fulfil just half of its potential.

Neuroimaging lies at the nexus of technological innovation, clinical application, and data-driven neuroscience. As each of these modalities becomes increasingly vital for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating neurological conditions, it is imperative that their evolution is guided by scientific rigor, a commitment to inclusivity, and recognition of the diversity of our global community. This Research Topic was therefore devised with a dual objective: to critically examine the principal methodological challenges for the future development and clinical translation of neuroimaging and neurotechnology, while concurrently celebrating the pivotal contributions of women researchers driving innovation in this dynamic and interdisciplinary domain.