Diversity and scientific careers

Johanna Joyce’s use of the ‘flashlight’ method has helped her lab members to connect and be more mindful about their science.

Scientists seek to analyse biomolecules at the highest level of resolution. We developed and adapted assistive technologies to help those who are blind to do the same.

Higher-education campaigners fear that removing the option for job applicants to provide the statements will make the academic workforce less diverse.

Nicole McGaa combined Indigenous knowledge with engineering to build a rocket for the First Nations Launch competition.

Demographic-prediction algorithms have various challenges, following best practices can minimize the harms.

Health-equity work requires thinking about strengths and assets instead of just disadvantages, says Aletha Maybank.

To mark Pride month, transgender scientists recount transition experiences as political landscapes turn increasingly hostile in many places.

Biased hiring practices are limiting efforts to attract and retain researchers of colour.

Machine-learning researchers from under-represented groups say the field desperately needs more people like them to ensure the technologies deliver for all.

Grassroots initiatives aim to make the discipline more inclusive of researchers from under-represented communities.

Female and Black researchers describe the impacts of sexism and racism at conferences

Hillary Wilson contends that medicine needs more-diverse artwork from illustrators who bring varied perspectives.

Facing microaggressions and harassment has left me exhausted, yet empowered with insight. Here’s what I’ve learnt.

Sexist stereotyping abounds in conservation science, says Robyn James. Here’s how to change it.

Maternal-health researcher and obstetrician Kecia Gaither outlines the research needed to save more Black mothers’ lives.

Researchers share their experiences and suggest changes to the structure of science.

A disingenuous invitation made Gwen Grinyer reconsider taking part in equity, diversity and inclusion sessions at conferences.

Many research institutions in the United Kingdom gained prominence as the British Empire reached its zenith — bringing them a painful reckoning as they attempt to decolonize.

Presenting and networking at events can be daunting for researchers with a stammer or other speech disability. Here’s how colleagues can support them.

Being open about being gay allows me to reach my full intellectual potential.

Wide-ranging expertise and direct involvement of those affected will help to make inequality research more meaningful.

Researchers of size say weight bias is harming their careers and well-being. Workplace changes can reduce the stigma.

Delays and disillusionment are barriers to PhD success, says Mohammed Shaaban. Embracing new cultures can shift perspectives and career paths.

First-generation students face challenges navigating graduate school. How can institutions better support them?

New measures to reward scholars in the Netherlands could widen gender inequality if they are not designed and implemented correctly, warn four academics.

Stereotypes, biases and lack of recognition by teachers and mentors are destroying the confidence of talented female students and driving them from physical sciences, says Chandralekha Singh.

Supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing researchers requires thought and planning from colleagues, but science benefits greatly, says Denis Meuthen.

Scientists and funders with close links to local communities outline how Western teams can collaborate fairly and effectively with those groups.

Amending long-established processes to include fresh perspectives is challenging, but journal editor Lisa Loseto is trying to find a path forward.

Employers need to do more to improve workplace diversity, equity and inclusion, a Nature survey finds.

We taught a course that created a dialogue between academia and social movements.

Four junior researchers with disabilities describe their career experiences to date, and how colleagues can act as allies.

When junior researchers Kyle Thomas and Karena Nguyen joined a search committee, they came up with a way to put equity and inclusion centre stage.

Four group leaders with disabilities share their thoughts on how to make laboratories and fieldwork more accessible and inclusive.

Two organizations that support at-risk academics offered funding, fellowship and language support at a critical time.

As UK universities prepare to welcome new undergraduates, a study suggests ways to level the playing field between white and minority-ethnic science students.

It’s time to tackle the cumulative barriers and biases faced by scientists who aren’t from wealthy countries.

Adrienne Nugent’s postdoctoral programme at Hampton University showed her what it felt like to be a member of a minority group on a committee.

Historically Black colleges and universities offer personal and professional support that predominantly white US institutions do not.

UK parliamentary group calls for greater representation of women and minority ethnic groups.

Inventor teams with women represent 16% of filed patents, yet are more likely than male teams to create women’s health products.

Online communities forged last year sparked collaborations and conversations about diversity and equity in academic research.

Papers by women in elite medical journals are half as likely to be cited as are similar articles authored by men, research finds.

Safety and equity concerns prompt some journals and scientific societies to hasten use of new names on transgender authors’ works.

Learning to pronounce others’ names doesn’t have to be awkward, as long as it comes from a place of mutual respect, says Ilinca Ioana Ciubotariu.

A wide range of perspectives brings unique insight to societal problems, says Katrin Prager.

As the first national network of early-career researchers marks its 21st birthday, the founders of Hungary’s describe how and why they set up theirs in 2019.

Six years after a statue of Cecil Rhodes was toppled, students and staff at the South African university are still working to improve equity and representation.

Melina Masnatta describes how the non-profit organization that she co-founded helps young women in Argentina to learn programming, design, communication and leadership.

Scientists whose first language is not English need to speak and write it constantly to gain fluency and become comfortable, says Lia Paola Zambetti.

Scientists with a different first language could benefit from mentoring and support to help them communicate their research clearly for global audiences, argues Roey Elnathan.

Many researchers choose not to disclose details of disabilities and chronic health conditions for fear of being stigmatised.

Institutions need experts in racial justice and queer liberation to shoulder the burden of advocating for scientists from under-represented groups, says Robin Aguilar.

Ana Teles and Flávia Viana seized on a chance to communicate their passion for science to migrant children who shared their first language.

Samira Asgari describes how her research programme focuses on overlooked populations in human genomics.

University policies often present barriers to bringing assistance dogs into the lab or on campus.

Researchers from Native American and Indigenous communities explain how colleagues and institutions can help them to battle marginalization.

Materials scientist Clara Barker praises the University of Oxford for creating a welcoming space.

How Christopher Rensing’s diagnosis with a physical disability spurred him to form a microbiology research group.

Noam Shomron looks beyond science to recruit students from a range of religions and with compatible personalities.

Anne Charmantier reveals how she has learnt to be vulnerable and to share her experience of her chronic health problem with research colleagues and collaborators.

The UK BBSTEM initiative hopes that helping Black researchers to connect and support one another professionally will boost their representation in academia and industry.

Luciana Leite and Luisa M. Diele-Viegas are using their own negative experiences to research the impact of societal and family expectations on women’s career choices.

Steps that peers and institutions can take to make laboratories, conferences and lecture halls safe and inclusive spaces.

You can start and maintain your own group to help scientists of all backgrounds thrive.

A childhood diagnosis of type 1 diabetes taught Olivia Favor about the importance of meticulous record-keeping and other skills that proved useful in the lab.

Registration forms, grant applications and publishing all create hurdles for single-name researchers. A culturally sensitive approach is needed.

Scientists at one research institute are heading back to school to inspire the next generation of researchers.

Researchers at a university with a reputation for recruiting internationally say that trust and understanding help diverse teams to flourish.

Two male researchers became gender-equity allies after witnessing how female colleagues were treated in meetings and job interviews.

Two researchers who turned to science later in life describe the obstacles and opportunities they faced, and the benefits of a mid-career change.

Tempted to join a campus diversity committee? It may not be a good use of your time. Ask your mentors for advice.

Many researchers choose not to disclose details of disabilities and chronic health conditions for fear of being stigmatised.