Journal article
Recommendations for the inclusion and study of sex and gender in research
Nature neuroscience, Vol.29(2), pp.256-266
02/2026
DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02164-1
PMID: 41461929
Abstract
Sex and gender are important variables in research, but they are inconsistently explored. The international PAINDIFF Network makes 13 recommendations for studying sex and gender as variables in pain research, which are applicable across the spectrum of biopsychosocial research. Five universal recommendations apply to the majority of research studies: (1) include males and females as standard practice, (2) account for sex in randomization or counterbalancing and testing order, (3) power for sex differences when sex is a primary experimental variable, (4) include detailed reporting of experimental design, and (5) conduct sex-disaggregated analysis and reporting. Three additional recommendations specifically for preclinical studies and five additional recommendations for human and clinical studies are included. Recommendations for stakeholders, such as editors, reviewers, funding bodies and policymakers, have also been developed. Wide adoption and implementation of these recommendations will reduce variability, improve reproducibility and enhance the translatability of research findings within and beyond the field of pain.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Recommendations for the inclusion and study of sex and gender in research
- Creators
- David P Finn - University Hospital GalwayBrian E McGuire - University Hospital GalwaySimon Beggs - University College LondonKatelynn E Boerner - BC Children's HospitalKaren D Davis - University of TorontoRuth Defrin - Tel Aviv UniversityYves De Koninck - Université LavalHemakumar Devan - University of OtagoRyan Donovan - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of GalwayEleonora Fetter - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of GalwayHerta Flor - Central Institute of Mental HealthBrona M Fullen - University College DublinCatherine R Healy - Clinical Science InstituteEdmund Keogh - University of BathRohini Kuner - Heidelberg UniversityMiriam Kunz - University of AugsburgRebecca M Lane - University Hospital GalwayStefan Lautenbacher - University of BambergEmeran A Mayer - University of California, Los AngelesJeffrey S Mogil - McGill UniversitySiobhain M O'Mahony - University College CorkKieran O'Sullivan - University of LimerickLouise Riordan - General Paints (Ireland)Michael W Salter - Hospital for Sick ChildrenFrancesco Scarlatti - Central Institute of Mental HealthGeorge Shorten - University College CorkKathleen A Sluka - University of IowaJennifer N Stinson - Hospital for Sick ChildrenKevin E Vowles - Queen's University BelfastSuellen M Walker - University College LondonIpek Yalcin - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et IntégrativesMichelle Roche - University Hospital Galway
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Nature neuroscience, Vol.29(2), pp.256-266
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41593-025-02164-1
- PMID
- 41461929
- NLM abbreviation
- Nat Neurosci
- ISSN
- 1546-1726
- eISSN
- 1546-1726
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Grant note
- NG-2022-2 / Health Research Board (HRB)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 12/29/2025
- Date published
- 02/2026
- Academic Unit
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Record Identifier
- 9985112974702771
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