Variety Show
Need to diversify your list of conference speakers? There’s a site for that...
What?
An online directory of chemists, DiversifyChemistry aims to help – as the name suggests – “diversify” the pool of speakers, award nominations and so on, by providing a more diverse list of scientists. Entrants self-nominate, and can choose to identify themselves by gender, race, ethnicity and/or sexual orientation.
Why?
The directory aims to help with unconscious bias – and the limited human memory! From the website: “Studies have shown that a more diverse group is generated when candidates are identified from a list, rather than selecting based purely on recall.”
Who?
The directory was created by Anne McNeil (University of Michigan), a chemistry professor frustrated by the poor representation of certain groups at conferences. “I wanted to bring visibility to those from underrepresented groups in the academic chemistry community,” she said. At the time of writing, the directory lists over 260 chemists.
What next?
The list continues to grow. If you are a chemist from an underrepresented group, why not sign up?
To add your name to the directory or browse the list, visit: https://diversifychemistry.com/
Twitter: @DiversifyChem
A former library manager and storyteller, I have wanted to write for magazines since I was six years old, when I used to make my own out of foolscap paper and sellotape and distribute them to my family. Since getting my MSc in Publishing, I’ve worked as a freelance writer and content creator for both digital and print, writing on subjects such as fashion, food, tourism, photography – and the history of Roman toilets.
