Gender dynamics in Animal Science: progress, pitfalls, and pathways forward

• Despite progress, gender disparities persist in higher education and academia. This paper summarizes key findings on gender imbalance in the field of Animal Science in Italy and outlines strategies for improvement. • Although women are well represented in undergraduate and graduate programs, their numbers decline at the doctoral level and are notably low in senior academic roles. • Gender representation varies across animal science disciplines, with greater disparities in more technically oriented areas. Women are also underrepresented in authorship and leader ship roles within faculties and scientific associations. • Barriers, such as the “glass ceiling,” “leaky pipeline,” and “sticky floors”, continue to limit women’s career progression. • Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms in evaluation criteria, mentorship programs, work-life balance policies, and institutional accountability. Regular monitoring and publishing of gender-disaggregated data is crucial for tracking progress. True change will require joint efforts from universities, research institutions, and scientific associations