Promoting Full Participation in Science

In 2019, a proposal to address racism in scholarly publishing was submitted to the Triangle Scholarly Communication Institute (TSCI), a forum for teams of individuals from diverse backgrounds to articulate and begin to address needs and opportunities in the domain of scholarly communications.

From that proposal developed three planned toolkits that provide a common framework, shared vocabulary, and best practices to address racial disparities specific to scholarly publishing. The three toolkits are available for download at the links below, as well as a guidelines expansion that TSCI released in October 2022.

Antiracism Toolkit for Allies

Antiracism Toolkit for Organizations

Antiracism Toolkit for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Guidelines on Inclusive Language and Images in Scholarly Communication

When it comes to standards publications, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released guidance on effective wording in technical standards to help writers express ideas in language that is both clear and welcoming to all readers.

Guidance for NIST staff on using inclusive language in documentary standards (NISTIR 8366)

In recent years, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted several studies investigating the discrimination and biases faced by different groups in the sciences, engineering, and medicine fields. They have since released several follow-up reports with recommendations on how to address these issues and make science a more welcoming environment for all types of people.

“Advancing antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEMM organizations” (2023)

“Promising practices for addressing the underrepresentation of women in science, engineering, and medicine” (2020)

“Advancing diversity in the US industrial science and engineering workforce: Summary of a workshop” (2014)

“Maximizing American talent by advancing women of color in academia: Summary of a conference” (2013)

In June 2023, the National Academies held a conversation series that explored issues related to the accessibility and inclusivity of STEM workplaces for people with disabilities. All event recordings and materials from this series are available at this link.

The National Science and Technology Council also released a report outlining best practices for supporting diversity and inclusion in STEM education and research.

“Best Practices for Diversity & Inclusion in STEM Education & Research: A guide by & for Federal Agencies” (2021)

For students looking to pursue a degree in STEM, the Campus Pride Index, which launched in 2007, gathers data from academic institutions on their LBGTQ+ inclusion policies to compare learning environments across institutions. The free online tool helps prospective students and families/parents choose LGBTQ+ friendly campuses to improve the academic experience and quality of campus life.

For students who have hearing impairments, the lack of sign language for scientific terminology can be a significant barrier to pursuing a career in science. Fortunately, as this C&EN article explains, work is being done to expand sign language for scientific terminology. For example, ASLCore, a group of interpreters and students with hearing impairements based out of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, developed advanced ASL signs in several disciplines.

In 2014, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) held the First TMS Summit on Creating and Sustaining Diversity in the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Professions (DMMM1). The insights and recommendations gained from this event served as the foundation to develop a toolkit that provides a framework for addressing diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace and professional community.

TMS Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit

Part of addressing discrimination in the workplace involves cultivating an environment of intentionality. The “Racial Equity Toolkit” by the Government Alliance on Race and Equity provides a framework to integrate explicit consideration of racial equity in decisions, including policies, practices, programs, and budgets. The framework can be used to integrate explicit consideration of other marginalized communities as well.

Racial Equity Toolkit: An opportunity to operationalize equity

The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign works with corporate and civil society leaders, multinationals, corporations, and stakeholders to promote the best policies and practices for LGBTQ+ employees nationwide. Their annual “Corporate Equality Index” offers a guide for businesses to help ensure their existing policy and benefits infrastructure is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ workforce and their families. They also have a resource page that offers additional information by topic, including hate crimes, laws & legislation, and workplace.

“Corporate Equality Index”

Tools for equality and inclusion

In 2010, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched America Healing, a national initiative to foster racial healing and racial equity. From that initiative developed the “Racial Equity Resource Guide,” which provides an online database of articles, books, media strategies, and training curricula for organizations and individuals working to achieve racial healing and equity in their communities.

Racial Equity Resource Guide

Effective mentoring relationships are known to have an overall positive effect on academic achievement, retention, and degree attainment, as well as on career success and satisfaction. As such, mentoring is an important way to help increase diversity in STEM.

In 2019, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on the science of effective mentorship, in addition to an online interactive guide to support institutions, departments, and faculty members in implementing the report’s recommendations.

“The science of effective mentorship in STEMM” (2019)

“The science of effective mentorship in STEMM: Online guide V1.0”

In 2021, the Board on Higher Education and Workforce of the National Academies published a 21-episode podcast on mentorship to expand on the above report. It features personal stories about mentorship experiences from STEMM leaders.

“The Science of Mentorship”

ACerS also runs three mentoring programs that are designed to equip students, faculty members, and industry professionals in materials science with the insight, tools, and connections necessary to make a lasting impact in their careers. Learn more about ACerS mentor programs below.

ACerS Mentor Programs