Akash Singh, Banaras Hindu University
In COVID-19, there has been a boom in webinars/conferences aimed at connecting the field’s veterans with the new scientists. Likewise, the Meiosis community organized a virtual webinar series that involved a forum to discuss the diversity and equity issues in order to provide actionable elements for the encouragement of the inclusion of the underrepresented groups in laboratories, institutions, annual meetings, and the scientific community. The description of ‘unrepresented groups’ included under-represented gender, race or ethnic groups, but also neuro-diversities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ members, disadvantaged, and students of the first generation. There were two sessions in the discussion. In the first session, trainees discussed the obstacles that underrepresented people face in
science and highlighted active measures to tackle them. At the second session, the concerns and solutions of the trainees with the PIs and Group leaders were discussed to develop a strategic plan to enhance diversity and inclusion within the genetics community.
Increasing diversity at conferences:
The main objectives of the discussions were to identify active actions to enhance underrepresented groups’ representation and to create a conference inclusive environment. They developed several ideas to do that – to increase adequate representation – such as diversifying lists of speakers. Removal of barriers to personal participation by making conferences available to members of all groups. Offer different trainees equal opportunities to present, write reviews/research articles, and participate in networking events at conferences.
Diversity and equity beyond conferences:
A section of the conference was dedicated to finding solutions to improve diversity and integration beyond these conferences. They developed various strategies, with a relatively low financial cost, that can be implemented in individuals, laboratories and departments/programs. Increased interest in STEM at the K-12 level and undergraduate level can increase the number of underrepresented people who are interested in STEM careers. Lab leaders and PIs were encouraged to develop undergraduates so that these underrepresented groups would have the equal opportunity to enroll.
Various models to remove financial barriers to graduate schools were discussed. To increase the quality of faculty mentorship, a wide network was created. Excessive working hours, toxicity and unrealistic productivity expectations were also discussed. Trainees need good role models of healthy work/life balance both at their faculty and at their staff in order to improve mental health and the work environment within STEM. There was also a need for consultants and departments to develop a family- friendly culture through, for example, the inclusion of families in social work events.
Longer-term actions to combat systemic exclusion:
Sadly, many of the obstacles discussed at the sessions call for extensive institutional reform. This type of reform is costly, time-consuming, and calls for institutional purchases, which can be difficult to implement. Strategies to address this and long-term systemic exclusion such as maternity and paternity caregiver benefits, increased financial support have been discussed. Solution for enhancing retention of staff by means of cluster hires, as they can encourage diversity and promote inclusion and retention.
As a community, those who are different from ourselves must be more welcomed and we must open up dialogue so that we can become allies for discriminated against people. The more we discuss, develop and implement action plans in truly inclusive and safe environments, the greater the likelihood of a major change in our community. Given that the Genetics community has members from a variety of subfields, we have the chance to lead the scientific community in different disciplines to benefit us all and increase STEM quality and innovation.
Also read: Plant biostimulants: A Novel Strategy to Boost Crop Production
Reference:
- Billmyre KK, Bravo Núñez MA, Bishop DK, Cole F (2021) Meiosis in Quarantine discussions lead to an action plan to increase diversity and inclusion within the genetics community. PLoS Genetics. 17(7): e1009648. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1009648
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Author info:
Akash Singh is a first-year master’s student of Biochemistry at Banaras Hindu University. He plans to pursue Ph.D. in the future. He aims to research and teach the young minds of the country.
Social media links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akash-singh-82b5811a2/
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