Ecology and evolutionary biology must elevate BIPOC scholars

Abstract

Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) individuals are disproportionately impacted by the negative consequences of our ongoing environmental and climate crises, yet their valuable scientific voices are shockingly underrepresented within the fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). As early‐career BIPOC EEB researchers, we recognise the key role that our fields play in understanding and mitigating the effects of our ongoing global crises, and are concerned about the lack of diversity we see among our own EEB cohorts and mentors. We present this piece as a call to action for the EEB Academy, drawing on our own experiences and the literature to suggest steps the Academy must take to increase representation of and equity for BIPOC graduate scholars in EEB. We synthesise these steps into four actionable ideas: anti‐racism education and practice, increased funding opportunities, integration of diverse cultural perspectives and a community‐minded shift in PhDs. Importantly, this advice is specifically directed at those who wield power in the Academy (e.g. funding agencies, societies, institutions, departments and faculty), rather than BIPOC scholars already struggling against inequitable frameworks in EEB.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women and Early Career Archaeologists

“…Structural inequities have been noted across several vulnerable populations in academia since before the pandemic began [33,34,[36][37][38][39][40]. BIPOC faculty are majorly under-represented in tenure-stream positions [31,38].…”

Overcoming racism in the twin spheres of conservation science and practice

“…Conservation scientists who are also conservation practitioners are at the nexus of the twin spheres, and as such have both the greatest potential and responsibility to create positive change. We recognize that many individuals, organizations and groups are taking meaningful steps towards modes of conservation that empower BIPOC communities [1][2][3][4]59,60,77,78]. Nevertheless, there is still more to be done, and we must accelerate away from the exclusive and harmful institutions we have inherited, towards more inclusive and innovative institutions that promote conservation spaces in which people and nature thrive (figure 2).…”

Ten simple rules for succeeding as an underrepresented STEM undergraduate

“…Among these challenges are damaging stereotypes, hostile educational environments, discrimination, and complexities related to socioeconomic status [ 5 – 7 ]. Nonetheless, underrepresented scholars continue to lead the charge in pushing for equity, diversity, inclusion, and the exchange of diverse ideas within scientific disciplines [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…First, “I am not an impostor” [ 16 ]: You belong here, and you earned your position here. Next, “My identity is powerful”: You are not required to assimilate into the majority to be successful [ 8 , 9 ]. Importantly, “I am valuable”: Your unique perspective can bring immeasurable benefits to science [ 10 ].…”