Inclusivity in Science

The title of this post is inclusivity in science. To start, what do we mean by inclusivity? In this case, we are talking about providing space and resources so that everyone, no matter what identities they hold, can be a part of something. In science, many of the barriers to inclusivity are systemic, as the field has historically been home to racist, sexist, queerphobic, and other noninclusive mindsets and attitudes.

There is no one solution here, but one that has shown up a lot is the creation of STEM affinity groups, where people with similar marginalized identities in similar fields of work or study can come together. Some examples of this are Women in STEM, BIPOC in STEM, and LGBTQ+ in STEM groups.

Obviously, affinity groups are only part of the solution here. To truly change the culture in science, systemic issues have to be addressed. However, it is one step in the right direction.