A Gender Gap in Commercializing Scientific Discoveries
FOS Affiliate Marlène Koffi focuses on the barriers faced by women when commercializing scientific discoveries. In a research study with Matt Marx, Koffi characterizes the gender dynamics of scientific commercialization in the full canon of scientific inquiry.
At its core, the underrepresentation of women in the commercialization of scientific discoveries represents an enormous loss of potential. Women are leading innovative research projects, producing highly cited scientific papers, and making substantial contributions to the research community. Yet, their discoveries are often left “in the attic,” uncommercialized and underutilized, suggesting a possible waste of human and intellectual resources. These “Cassatts in the Attic” represent missed opportunities to enhance societal welfare and economic prosperity.