Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in interdisciplinary marine research
IMBeR’s Interdisciplinary Marine Early Career Network (IMECaN) held a virtual workshop on 11 October 2022, that addressed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in interdisciplinary marine research.
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are increasingly expected to work across disciplines, and to have an array of skills to navigate ocean sustainability challenges. ECRs are well placed to initiate new approaches to address critical research priorities. However, challenges around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) may affect ECR participation in interdisciplinary research.
The workshop started with three invited speakers: Ingrid van Putten, Stephanie Brodie and Becca Shellock, who shared their personal experiences and approach to DEI in their interdisciplinary research.
We then moved into breakout groups where DEI issues and opportunities were discussed in greater detail. The facilitated discussions were focused around three overarching questions:
- What does DEI mean for you and your research community?
- What are the main challenges or barriers to DEI that you face as an interdisciplinary marine researcher?
- How can DEI be improved or fostered within interdisciplinary marine research?
The session ended with a lively plenary discussion. A perspective paper on the topics mentioned above is planned, and all workshop attendees are invited to contribute as co-authors.
Even if you missed the workshop, you can watch the video of the presentations of the three invited speakers here.