Women in Theoretical Quantum Physics in Brazil:demographics, career profiles, recognition, and leadership

TL;DR

The paper maps the landscape of women working in theoretical quantum physics in Brazil (SheQ), using CNPq Lattes data to profile geography, trajectories, productivity, international exposure, and recognition, while assessing engagement with gender-equity initiatives. It reveals strong research output and leadership among SheQ but reveals gaps in high-level recognition (Productivity Fellowships) and modest uptake of equity initiatives, with regional disparities and policy leadership playing a key role. The study highlights how generational shifts and institutional policies influence participation in leadership and equity efforts, offering evidence to inform targeted interventions to foster inclusion and boost creativity and progress in quantum physics in Brazil. It contributes to broader debates on diversity as a driver of scientific innovation and helps identify actionable leverage points for national funding and evaluation agencies.

Abstract

Gender imbalance in Physics remains a persistent global challenge, and Brazil is no exception. While women account for only 24% of Physics faculty in the country, their representation in Quantum Physics is even smaller. In this work, we provide the first comprehensive overview of women working in Theoretical Quantum Physics in Brazil, here referred to as the SheQ (She + Quantum) community. Using data from the CNPq Lattes platform, we identify 93 researchers and analyze their geographic distribution, academic trajectories, scientific productivity, international experience, recognition through awards and fellowships, and engagement with initiatives promoting gender equity. Our results reveal both progress and persistent disparities: SheQ researchers have a strong scientific output, leadership roles, and international training; yet, their recognition through productivity fellowships remains modest, and their involvement in gender-related initiatives, although increasing among younger generations, remains limited. By combining quantitative indicators with institutional perspectives, we highlight structural barriers as well as opportunities for fostering a more inclusive environment in Quantum Physics. his study thus contributes to a broader reflection on how diversity not only promotes fairness but also strengthens creativity, innovation, and scientific progress.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Brazilian regions mapa_brasil and their population estimates ibge2025populacao, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita ibge2025pib and total number of public (Federal and State) Universities andifes2025_69ufprojetosol_universidades_estaduais.
• Figure 2: Gender imbalance in Physics: (a) throughout Brazil and (b) distribution by geographic region. The data were retrieved from the CNPq databases cnpq_lattes on July 8, 2025, according to the filters listed in the Appendix.
• Figure 3: Women in Physics: Distribution of SheQ and other areas across Brazil’s geographic regions. The figure also shows the percentage of female researchers in each region who belong to the SheQ community.
• Figure 4: Geographic distribution: (a) Physics community, (b) male researchers, (c) SheQ community, and (d) women in other areas of Physics.
• Figure 5: Periods in which SheQ researchers obtained their PhDs, grouped in five-year intervals. Data from CNPq cnpq_lattes_plataforma.