Research is the foundation for NCWIT's mission. By researching what works and what doesn't, NCWIT can develop and distribute practices that will accelerate women's participation in IT. By knowing where the gaps are in current research on girls and women in IT, NCWIT can direct its research resources to filling those gaps. And by sharing our research-based knowledge on issues such as outreach to girls, curriculum, mentoring, leadership, and the image of computing, we help our community and the public to raise its awareness and take effective action.

NCWIT hubs and Alliances have conducted research on topics such as informal education practices for girls, patenting, and corporate climate for women in IT. NCWIT staff social scientists and members of the NCWIT Social Science Advisory Board have authored papers and reports on topics including open source computing, the status of women in IT, and women and IT entrepreneurship. In addition, NCWIT assembles and shares the findings of esteemed third-party organizations whose research pertains to women and IT, including the Department of Labor, National Science Foundation, Computing Research Association, Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology, Catalyst, College Board, and the National Center for Education Statistics. Visit NCWIT Resources to read the results.