A Spotlight on Progress in DEIA Efforts by Research Societies
In an ever-evolving world, the pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) has emerged as an essential endeavor across various sectors. Recognizing the significance of DEIA in fostering innovation and advancing social justice, research societies have stepped forward to take up the mantle. These influential organizations play a pivotal role in shaping the scientific landscape, making their commitment to DEIA efforts crucial for promoting equal opportunities and amplifying underrepresented voices within the research community.
This article takes a look at the progress made by research societies in prioritizing DEIA initiatives. Drawing on a myriad of inspiring examples from leading research societies, we explore the multifaceted nature of DEIA progress. From reimagining conference structures to bolster representation, to implementing mentorship programs that empower marginalized researchers, these societies are taking a variety of steps to dismantle barriers and create equitable spaces for all.
Importance of DEIA in research societies
Embracing DEIA within research societies is not merely a moral imperative; it is a strategic decision that fosters innovation, promotes excellence, and cultivates a research environment that reflects the broader global community.
First and foremost, diversity within research societies brings a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table. When individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate, they bring unique insights that enrich the scientific discourse and challenge conventional thinking. This diversity of thought fuels innovation, drives interdisciplinary collaborations, and enhances the quality and relevance of research outcomes.
Furthermore, creating equitable and inclusive research societies is essential for ensuring that underrepresented groups have a seat at the table. Historically marginalized communities, including women, ethnic and racial minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, have often faced systemic barriers that limit their participation and advancement within the scientific community. By actively addressing these inequities, research societies can cultivate a research landscape that empowers and amplifies the voices of underrepresented researchers, unlocking their full potential and fostering a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources.
In addition to fostering diversity and equity, research societies must prioritize inclusion and accessibility. Inclusive practices involve creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. This includes providing mentorship and career development opportunities, promoting work-life balance, and actively addressing biases and discriminatory practices. Furthermore, ensuring accessibility entails removing physical, technological, and socio-economic barriers that hinder full participation in research activities. By adopting inclusive and accessible practices, research societies can harness the collective intelligence of their members and create a vibrant scientific community that reflects the diversity of society at large.
In conclusion, DEIA is of utmost importance within research societies as it not only aligns with ethical principles but also drives scientific progress. By embracing DEIA, research societies can harness the power of diversity, foster innovation, and create inclusive spaces where all researchers can thrive. In the following sections, we will explore the various ways in which research societies are actively addressing DEIA challenges, highlighting their efforts to promote a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible scientific landscape.
See also: Designing Neuro-Inclusive Events: Tips for Societies and Publishers
Recent developments in DEIA in academia
DEIA efforts in academia include framing policies aimed at the career advancement of researchers from diverse backgrounds, creating diversity committees and training programs, increasing accessibility to content and facilities to underserved researchers, etc. Publishing and funding bodies are also showing a growing inclination toward supporting DEIA values.
Professional development of researchers from diverse backgrounds
Many academic institutions have started to prioritize DEIA in their hiring, promotion, and retention policies. They are also seeking to increase the visibility of underrepresented groups in research and academic leadership roles.
DEIA in research funding
Funding agencies are also recognizing the importance of DEIA in science, e.g., research training awards and funding opportunities by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to increase participation in science and engineering by underrepresented groups.
DEIA in research publishing
Many journals are adopting policies to ensure that the peer-review process is fair and unbiased, and that authors from diverse backgrounds are given equal opportunities to publish and review work. Further, making academic content accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., use of formats that are compatible with assistive technologies, use of inclusive design in websites) or other constraints (e.g., PNAS provides article PDFs that can be easily downloaded in regions with poor internet availability) is another cornerstone of DEIA.
All these developments reflect the increasing commitment to address issues of bias and exclusion in academia and recognize the importance of DEIA. Given their influence in shaping academic culture and advancing research, scholarly societies play a crucial role in promoting DEIA initiatives.
See also: Open Access and Gender Equity in Academia
An exploration of research societies’ DEIA efforts and achievements
Scholarly societies are addressing DEIA goals and activities while working in conjunction with other initiatives to meet the societies’ priorities. Many societies have established DEIA committees, task forces, or working groups to develop and implement strategies outlining specific goals and actions to increase diversity and promote inclusion in science.
Examples of society initiatives and actions are listed below.
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) launched a Joint Commitment for action on inclusion and diversity in publishing in 2020. Publishers came together to identify key areas where DEIA in chemistry publishing could be enhanced collaboratively and efficiently. This joint commitment now includes 56 publishing organizations, covering over 15,000 journals, pledging to address key commitments and minimum standards in these areas.
American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society (ACS) has taken various steps to address DEI issues. The ACS’s diversity and inclusion legacy goes way back: their Women Chemists Committee, which provides support and resources for women in the chemical sciences has been around for 95 years! The ACS has set up an Office of DEIR (where “R” stands for “Respect”) to promote inclusion in chemistry. It has also established a Committee on Minority Affairs, which promotes the advancement of underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences.
American Physical Society
The American Physical Society (APS) has an APS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (APS-IDEA)—a community of researchers, students, and faculty who promote cultural change and prioritize individuals from marginalized backgrounds in physical sciences. APS provides support through online resources and community-building. APS-IDEA is driven by guiding principles that seek to empower physicists across career stages, advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the workplace.
American Psychological Association
In 2021, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued an apology for their role in perpetuating systemic racism within the field of psychology. The apology acknowledges that the APA contributed to the marginalization and harm experienced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through the development and dissemination of racist theories, policies, and practices. Last year, the APA released a plan and listed the steps to be taken to fulfil the commitments made in the apology.
See also: Creating Inclusive Learning Resources: Tips for Societies and Publishers
Conclusions
By taking an active role in addressing DEIA issues, scholarly societies are helping to build a more inclusive and equitable academic culture that benefits everyone. DEIA initiatives should not be viewed as “add-ons” but as core activities, with awareness of these issues being embedded in training at all levels. Fortunately, this is being witnessed in the form of recent phenomenal progress in promoting DEIA initiatives in scholarly communications and publishing. Scholarly publishers and societies are taking the challenges seriously, striving to create a level playing field and make academia welcoming to all.
