1. Representation and inclusion among members and affiliates of the Society for Epidemiologic Research: Findings from the 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Survey
- Author
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González, David JX, Staley, Brooke S, Andrea, Sarah B, DeVilbiss, Elizabeth A, Fink, David S, Peña, Courtney, Reed, Domonique M, Santana, Mary V Díaz, Fasehun, Luther-King O, Alvero, AJ, Babalola, Obafemi, Puac-Polanco, Victor, Thompson, Caroline A, Frankenfeld, Cara L, Fernández-Rhodes, Lindsay, Lopez, David S, Magid, Hoda S Abdel, and Committee, on behalf of the Society for Epidemiologic Research Diversity and Inclusion
- Subjects
Epidemiology ,Health Sciences ,diversity ,inclusions ,representation ,inclusion ,Mathematical Sciences ,Medical and Health Sciences - Abstract
Diverse representation and inclusion are stated priorities for scientific institutions and professionalsocieties, including the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER). Prior studies have reportedpersistent underrepresentation and exclusion of marginalized groups across the sciences. Weconducted a representation and inclusion survey among SER affiliates in 2021, following up on asimilar 2018 survey. In 2021, we observed broad representation from diverse groups across multipledimensions. However, across both surveys we found persistent underrepresentation of severalmarginalized groups, including Black or African American and Hispanic/Latinx people. Somegroups reported feeling excluded in both the 2018 and 2021 surveys, and there wasdisproportionately high representation from a subset of higher-ranked US academic institutions. Forseveral indicators of inclusion, perceptions of inclusion were more positive among Whiterespondents compared to other respondents. Opportunities to work towards achieving SER’sdiversity and inclusion aims include increasing outreach to epidemiology trainees and MinorityServing Institutions, addressing cultural and financial barriers to participation, and improving accessfor epidemiologists with disabilities. Iterative follow-up work with diversity and inclusion scholarscould improve our understanding of barriers to diversity and inclusion within SER and, morebroadly, the field of epidemiology.
- Published
- 2024