Decolonizing science toolkit

As Uganda’s science minister, Monica Musenero pushes to connect scientific research to economic development in her country and her continent.

Immunologist Dequina Nicholas shares why mentorship is crucial for first-generation scientists.

In the light of US court rulings on racism in science and affirmative action in higher education, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans is ever more important.

Environmental scientist Max Liboiron ties principles of humility and accountability to research that respects people and their relationship with the land.

Departments and principal investigators must do the hard, uncomfortable work to cultivate truly inclusive, safe environments, says Ashley Paynter.

Sociologist Meghan Tinsley calls for a two-way dialogue about making university curricula more inclusive.

For many students from under-represented backgrounds, the career pipeline into creative industries is blocked. Karen Patel leads an initiative to help fix it.

It’s new to you — but not to me or anyone else who grew up here, writes Fernanda Adame.

The University of York’s efforts to decolonize how chemistry is taught holds lessons for other chemistry educators.

Mathematicians leading decolonization efforts say that building knowledge-sharing partnerships with communities is key.

To fully desegregate science, institutions should bolster mentorship, safe spaces and a culture of belonging, say Phakamani M’Afrika Xaba, Ferozah Conrad and Tlou Masehela.

Solving structural-racism problems in health will require everyone, from community members to heads of university departments, to be engaged.

Gaining access to Indigenous communities and offering health care in a decolonizing way can take years of respectful collaboration.

Funders and universities should move beyond talk to actions.

Indigenous communities’ knowledge and approaches enrich studies.

Institutions must change the reward structure to value a wider range of perspectives.

Botanical gardens are re-examining their collections’ colonial roots — botanists of colour say keep going.

Prevent ‘equity washing’ by making research collaborations with level partnerships.

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.

The widely used term risks becoming a buzzword for people who want to seem open-minded, warns Paballo Chauke.