Can the adoption of AI technology widen the gender gap in science? postdocs' use of AI technology

There is a known gender gap in science. Some studies suggest that this gap is decreasing, others that it is not. Although many studies have been conducted on gender equity in science, none have yet focused on the possibility that generative artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that promises to revolutionize research and academic work can have on widening or narrowing the gender gap in science. Postdoctoral researchers are a particularly important population to study in this context, as they have already demonstrated scientific maturity and independence and are poised to become the next generation in science and academia. Thus, this paper focuses on the gendered use of AI technology by postdocs. By using data from the 2023 Nature Post-Doctoral Survey, this paper investigates how postdocs are adopting AI and whether the usage of AI technology is likely to affect the gender gap in science and academia. The results show that females are less engaged with AI than male postdocs by 34%. This disparity may put female researchers at a disadvantage, potentially causing the gender gap to increase or be maintained. The study also reveals variations in AI adoption within gender groups. Younger female postdocs tend to use AI more than their older counterparts. Compared to female postdocs without promising job opportunities, those with good job prospects tend to use AI more frequently. Additionally, female postdocs working outside their native country are more engaged with AI than those working within their native country. For male postdocs, the results indicate that employment is an important factor in AI adoption. Regardless of age, male postdocs tend to use AI as part of their postdoc: they start using it once they begin their postdocs positions and use it more if they are satisfied with their postdoctoral experience.