Voices: Increasing inclusivity and equity in research cultures

One of the biggest challenges in science is addressing the widely acknowledged lack

of DEI. This is a global challenge including the overrepresentation of European and

North American science and scientists.Within chemistry, professional bodies such as

the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society showed that

compared with what is seen in the general population, there is an underrepresentation

of chemists who are women, disabled, Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

This gap increases with seniority.

Marginalization can be thought of as being intersectional (a term coined by Kimberle

´ Crenshaw to describe the compounding barriers faced by Black women due

to misogyny and racism). Practically, this means that the disadvantages encountered

due to different aspects of an individual’s identity, such as gender, sexuality, race,

religion, or class, will compound and multiply. The competitive climate of scientific

research funding reinforces an ideology where overwork and hyperproductivity are

the norm. Coupled with increases in precarious contracts, squeezes on budgets,

and a lack of progression opportunities, it becomes harder to change the dominant

research culture and make it more accessible and inclusive.

Supramolecular chemistry has welcomed the International Women in

Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network’s approach to DEI, responding to them

‘‘calling in’’ the community to support their own and incorporating creative approaches

to highlight and humanize the lived experiences of parents, carers, and

marginalized researchers. The framework that the community is constructing to raise

awareness and effect change could act as a model for other fields within physical sciences

to address inclusivity and equity in research cultures.