Summary
Shansky and Murphy (2021) argue that integrating sex as a biological variable across scientific research requires fundamental shifts in experimental design, statistical analysis, and institutional culture. The paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, examines historical exclusion of females in research and the scientific, practical, and ethical imperatives for sex-inclusive approaches. As suggested by the title, the authors contend that this change demands systemic reform beyond individual laboratories.
Regional applicability
UK research institutions and funding bodies (including UKRI) have increasingly mandated sex and gender considerations in grant applications and animal research protocols; this paper provides conceptual and practical grounding for those policies. The arguments apply directly to UK-based neuroscience, biomedical, and agricultural research seeking to improve rigour and generalisability.
Key measures
Qualitative assessment of research practices, institutional policies, and cultural barriers to sex-inclusive science; discussion of methodological implications across disciplines
Outcomes reported
The paper examines barriers to and necessity for considering biological sex in research design and analysis across scientific disciplines. It addresses systemic practices in experimental design, peer review, and institutional culture that have historically excluded or minimised sex as a variable.
Topic tags
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