Interpretive Summary: Meeting the moment: using scientific conferences and journals to promote equity and inclusion in animal science

By: Sarah Reed, Allison Meyer, Steve Zinn

• Move Beyond Numerical Representation: Increasing diversity in membership numbers is a significant achievement that has not yet translated into meaningful inclusion for many scientific societies, especially in leadership roles and scientific publications. A shift is needed from focusing solely on numbers to fostering genuine inclusion across all organizational levels.
• Embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research Dissemination: Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles must be incorporated into key research outputs, including publications and presentations. Integrating these values into every stage of scientific work can create a culture of inclusion that empowers future leaders and showcases the positive impact of these initiatives.
• Leverage Cultural Intelligence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advancement: Animal scientists work across diverse cultures and disciplines, offering a unique opportunity to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By applying the cultural intelligence inherent in our profession, we can create inclusive environments, elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the animal sciences.

Introduction

Animal science organizations have been working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for over two decades. These efforts began with a strong focus on recruiting and retaining women in the field. In the early 2000s, women made up less than 10% of professional-level animal scientists in academia, with the exception of equine science, where female involvement has a long tradition. Today, women represent more than 50% of professional animal scientists and an impressive 80% of equine scientists. Early DEI initiatives largely measured success by the increase in the number of women in the field, which, while an important achievement, has not always translated into increases in the tenure-track faculty ranks or in leadership positions. While earlier work focused on increasing the inclusion of women in the field, current and future work must include individuals from all underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized groups.

Although many animal science societies have formalized DEI efforts through committees, symposia, and inclusion standards, these initiatives often lack sufficient financial support and expertise to create truly inclusive programs that extend beyond individual organizations. Moreover, much of the assessment of success in increasing underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized groups has used the same “head count” approach that was initially used to increase the representation of women. While a well-intentioned first step, this approach has not always led to meaningful inclusion, highlighting the need to shift the focus from simple numerical representation to genuine inclusion in leadership roles, programming, scientific publications, and meetings.

Read the full article in Animal Frontiers: Animal Science for All.