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Let’s fix the system, not the scientists

Nature Reviews Materials volume 5, pages 83–84 (2020)Cite this article

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Diversity initiatives typically focus on empowering scientists from minority backgrounds to navigate academia. Although such efforts can be valuable, the structural barriers faced by minority scientists must also be addressed, particularly in the distribution of research funding.

Many members of the academic community recognize the need to strive for diversity within science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). Creating an environment within which all researchers can reach their personal potential and nurture their scientific interests is not simply a question of fairness, but is also vital to allow the greatest possible breadth of scientific thinking to help solve current global challenges1. Many ventures aimed at improving diversity in STEMM involve special events, awards and initiatives for minority groups, ranging from helicoptering in minority scientists to impress schoolchildren, to assertiveness training for women. These approaches, whilst of potential value to individuals, fail to recognize the systemic barriers2,3,4,5 to progression through academia faced by minority scientists. This led me to a call for an inquiry into the impact of research funding policy on equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in STEMM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

    Rachel A. Oliver

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  1. Rachel A. Oliver
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Correspondence to Rachel A. Oliver.

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R.A.O is a member of The Inclusion Group for Equity in Research in STEMM (TIGERS).

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The Inclusion Group for Equity in Research in STEMM (TIGERS): https://www.tigerinstemm.org/home

Irish Research Council: Gender Strategy & Actions: http://research.ie/assets/uploads/2018/08/04108-IRC-Gender-flyer-proof03-single.pdf

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Oliver, R.A. Let’s fix the system, not the scientists. Nat Rev Mater 5, 83–84 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-020-0177-1

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