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Astrid Ulv Thom­sen

PhD fellow

Emner
Innovation Kvantitativ metode Køn Lighed

Primary research areas

Disparities in Knowledge Creation and Diffusion

Academic research is a crucial driver of innovation and evidence-based policymaking. Yet, the diffusion of knowledge from universities to government and industry is uneven. Scientists differ greatly in the visibility and uptake of their work, and systemic barriers persist for women in particular. Female academics are less likely to commercialize their findings, and their work is less frequently cited in patents, even when comparable in quality.

My research examines these disparities, with a focus on how gender influences the pathways of knowledge diffusion. I investigate both demand-side and supply-side mechanisms that contribute to unequal recognition and use of academic work, and I aim to inform policies that foster more inclusive knowledge transfer.

The Gender Gap in Science Funding

Access to research funding is central to scientific progress and career advancement. However, persistent gender gaps in funding outcomes exist across disciplines, reinforcing broader inequalities in academia.

I study where, why, and how these disparities emerge in the funding process. By identifying the structural and institutional factors that disadvantage women, my research contributes to ongoing efforts to design equitable funding systems and more opportunities for scientific advancement.

I study how knowledge is diffused, and why it isn’t equally for everyone

I’m a PhD Fellow at the Department of Strategy and Innovation. My PhD thesis, “Three Essays on Gender Disparities in Academic Knowledge Creation and Diffusion”, explores questions around the causes and effects of gender disparities in science funding and dissemination. 

The first chapter, "From the Ivory Tower to Capitol Hill: Which Academics Get a Voice in Congress?", examines academic economists’ engagement with public policymakers and utilize a policy change in Congress, to estimate the causal effect of reducing opportunity costs on the representation of women and geographically remote researchers. The second chapter, "Mechanisms Driving the Gender Gap in Academic Grant Requests", examines the causes of gendered heterogeneity in grant funding applications. The third chapter, "Gender Disparities in Academic Expertise", explores supply side factors contributing to the low representation of female scientists as experts in the public debate and policy advising. 

My PhD is supervised by Valentina Tartari (Stockholm School of Economics) and H.C. Kongsted (Copenhagen Business School). I hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA) from the University of Southern Denmark in International Business Communication in English (International Marketing) and a Master’s degree (MA) from Copenhagen Business School in International Business Communication (Intercultural Marketing).