A Bibliometric study of women researchers in early organizational structures of exact sciences and engineering in Mexico from 1900 to 2000

The scientific production of Mexico registered in Web of Science from 1900-2000 in the areas of Exact Sciences and Engineering is analyzed to describe the way in which female researchers are integrated in the development of these fields of study. The paper employs a quantitative bibliometric method, applying indicators of gender, scientific output and impact, and analysis of bibliometric networks of co-authorship. InMexico, researchers in exact sciences and engineering published their first papers in the first half of the 20th century, but female researchers working in Syntex laboratories did not publish until the 1940s. As more women joined faculties in higher education and research centers in the 60s and 70s, publication by female researchers began to increase accordingly. This growth also appears to be associated with changesin career choice by women. While the contributions of this work represent an advantage for the scientific community itself, they also are useful for organizations that promote gender equity and institutions that integrate female researchers in this field of study.