This Collection supports and amplifies research related to:
SDG 5 – Gender equality.
Historically, females have been underrepresented in the field of sport science research and this has resulted in a significant knowledge gap with regards to our understanding of female physiology in the context of sports performance and exercise. Given that previous studies have been predominantly conducted with male participants, generalisability of previous research is restricted and has led to female athletes and their coaches not having the physiologically relevant scientific evidence to base training regimes upon. In addition, these issues are not restricted to only elite sport, with investigations focusing on the intersection of pregnancy and athletic performance, and the development and participation of young girls and adolescents in sport science being seemingly undervalued and disregarded.
Research in this field may include, but is not limited to, the influence of female-specific physiological factors on performance, sex-specific injury patterns and prevention strategies, mental health issues specific to female athletes, and the impact of pregnancy and motherhood on athletic performance. This Collection works at the intersection of the UN’s SDG 5, to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and is launched in line with International Women’s Day 2026.
Editors
Submitting a paper for consideration
To submit your manuscript for consideration at Scientific Reports as part of this Collection, please follow the steps detailed on this page. On the first page of our online submission system, under “I’m submitting:” select the option “A research article”. Under the “Details” tab, authors should select the Collection: “Female athletes” from the drop-down option. Authors should express their interest in the Collection in their cover letter.
Please ensure that your manuscript is submitted before midnight GMT on the listed deadline date. The submission system will close at exactly 00:00 GMT on the following day, so late submissions cannot be accepted.
Accepted papers are published on a rolling basis as soon as they are ready.
In addition to papers on Female athletes, Scientific Reports welcomes all original research in the fields of Health Sciences. To browse our latest articles in Health Sciences, click here.
For more details refer here
