#FSGForBHM21 round-up
In honor of the US Black History Month, a panel of scientific leaders assembled on Twitter to discuss the key themes of Black representation, identity and diversity in science, in a Twitter Chat hosted by BioTechniques and supported across Future Science Group.
The wonderful panel included Esther Odekunle, Nii Addy, Sara Suliman, Geoffrey Siwo and Yannick Yalipende and took place on Wednesday 17th of February 2021, on the #FSGForBHM21.
Check out our highlights from the chat below!
- How are you all today? Can you all tell us about yourselves?
- What do you think are the main causes of a lack of Black representation in the sciences?
- How do you think the scientific establishment could improve this lack of representation?
- What impact does the lack of Black representation have on science?
- Why is Black representation in science important?
- Do you have any examples of the value added to scientific research as a result of Black representation?
- Have you seen academia and scientific industries put a strain on the behavior and/or appearance of Black individuals?
- What is currently being done to inspire the next generation of Black scientists?
- Do you have any suggested actions for researchers looking to promote Black representation in STEM?
- What do you envision Black representation in STEM to look like in the next 5 years?
- The reality of low pay and long hours means that few people are interested in working in this field. How can we encourage more people including Black people to work in the sciences?
- I’m having trouble coming up with ideas on how to bring DEI into heavily quantitative bioengineering courses (e.g. biofluid mechanics) and would be interested in hearing suggestions
How are you all today? Can you tell us about yourselves?
And we're live!! Hey everyone, it's Esther 😀 I'm an antibody engineer in the pharma industry, focused on improving the developability of antibodies as therapeutics. Outside of work I use social media to engage with the community and share science in an accessible way! https://t.co/zrbga65PSK
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
A1. I’m Dr. Nii Addy. I direct a lab @YalePsych examining the neurobio bases of substance use & mood disorders. I’m involved in diversity, equity, inclusion & antiracism efforts & I lead convos at the intersection of mental health, faith, culture & social justice. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/xbakCrzmhX
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
Hi all, I’m Sara Suliman, an infectious disease immunologist. I work on TB immunology and COVID-19 diagnostics at the @BrighamResearch. Originally from Sudan! https://t.co/saFXXSMGkj
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
Hi all. I am Dr. Geoffrey Siwo. I am an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Notre Dame. My research is in developing g computational tools for accelerating equitable biomedical research #FSGFORBHM21 https://t.co/zdUiQsN4g2
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
Hey everyone!👋🏿 I'm Yannick Yalipende. I'm currently training as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in the NHS. My role includes promoting integrated care pathways and addressing health inequalities using personalised and Trauma-informed care. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/CoUoVebSqv
— Yannick Yalipende (@yyalipende) February 17, 2021
What do you think are the main causes of a lack of Black representation in the sciences?
A1.
Disparities in educational supportBiased recruitment
Disparities in funding
Hostile work environments
Lack of mentoring and opportunities to lead#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/DfQNm96kAi
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
A1. Lack of black representation in sciences is in part due to historical reasons and systemic racism in society. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/R6cJIlIjvn
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
A1. There are many causes. I'd like to focus on the domino effect racism has on our mental health and wellbeing. There is a lack of Black scientist being promoted and funded to hold managerial positions. Who do we go for support? @BPTwellbeing #FSGForBHM21 #AcademicChatter https://t.co/zDrrvMywh9
— Yannick Yalipende (@yyalipende) February 17, 2021
A1. First, I acknowledge this is an area of scholarship, that others have researched & written about. One cause is historical, where Black scientists have been excluded in the past, or have been recruited into the sciences without efforts to provide sufficient support (1/2). https://t.co/vkGoHbiZPI
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
There are several reasons for this. The main one is systemic racism and the historical (and continued) underfunding of schools and businesses in black communities. This unfortunately results in a limited representation of BIPOC mentors. #FSGBHM21 https://t.co/HRKJj8BmEa
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
How do you think the scientific establishment could improve this lack of representation?
A2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees have become almost "fashionable" lately. However, institutes tend to place the burden of this work and representation on black people and other BIPOC, which adds to the systemic inequities and emotional burden #FSGFORBHM21 https://t.co/KiiWqi0pm1
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A2. To improve lack of Black representation in science we need to start early educational initiatives to support Black young students, for example in high school #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/X3tqBMsexu
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
A2. Representation could be improved by fostering inclusivity, community and belonging, especially for Black scientists, but also for other underrepresented groups, and for all our community members (1/3). https://t.co/WwaSlkXtON
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
A2. There’s no one size fits all approach but ways to improve include:
Addressing recruitment/funding bias
Holding people that cause harm REGARDLESS OF THEIR RANK accountable
Introducing better cross-industry mentoring schemes that ultimately focus on progression#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/GBGPgFfrda
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
What impact does the lack of Black representation have on science?
A3. A lack of black representation can negatively affect the types of scientific questions being asked, increasing the likelihood that key scientific questions affecting Black communities may be excluded or overlooked. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/1LjsnzASa7
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
A3. There is a massive psychological impact when we rarely see celebrations of scientists that look like us. Being advocates also limits our chances of showing our scholarly contributions, since we get invited (mostly for free) to speak about equity instead #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/RVrcXS2MEk
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
We need all types of thinkers in science. A lack of representation means science remains incredibly colonial and euro-centric. Many important issues for the Black community remain under-researched, un/under-funded, and ignored when we are underrepresented #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/ya2JWPOXU5
— Yannick Yalipende (@yyalipende) February 17, 2021
Why is Black representation in science important?
A lack of Black representation in science stifles scientific progress for all. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/5HmNHnQv1w
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
A4. We need to 'de-colonize' the scientific questions we ask and the approaches we use. The mentality of the superior anthropologists coming to study 'others' creates an othering that is palpable in the inequitable solutions we see to problems in society #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/aMhqzToWid
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A4. Black representation in science isn’t just about who’s doing the science. It’s also about who benefits from the science. So for me, an important reason for Black representation is that it helps combat disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Black patients.#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/B9nm1DUbiG
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
Do you have any examples of the value added to scientific research as a result of Black representation?
A5. Thankfully, Black scientists, clinicians & community members have created an African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative (1/2). @KafuiDzirasa @HurdLab https://t.co/wU09nyPjFQ
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
A5. Genetic research is notorious for over-representation of cohorts with European ancestry. Although many social determinants of health explain the disparities black communities face in health outcomes, having more genetic data will decipher important factors #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/Lkk8nbnlVe
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
Have you seen academia and scientific industries put a strain on the behavior and/or appearance of Black individuals?
A6. Yes. The strain put of Black individuals to always agree and say yes… or otherwise be labelled as aggressive#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/qhFINKeBST
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
A6. #CodeSwitching! We all do it to conform!
We typically have to speak and behave differently to be taken seriously. https://t.co/dTGsy6V0E1
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
What is currently being done to inspire the next generation of Black scientists?
A7. Thankfully several initiatives are investing in inspiring the next generation of Black scientists. The NIH Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa is one such example #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/VJ4BUWdMts
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
The BlackInX online movements have been INSTRUMENTAL in showcasing today’s diverse community of STEM professionals.
Also educators have been working hard to make science classrooms more inclusive (check this NPR ShortWave podcast episode)https://t.co/OuVut4ycU3 #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/0apXY5NgVu
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
Shout out to so many amazing community organizations and affinity groups that are focused on nurturing the next generation of black scientists @NextEinsteinFor @AIMS_Next @nsbeboston @NSBE & others. However, it's a tough balance to do this work + excelling in science #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/2Bh0aJN4UA
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A7. I see the next generation of Black scientists being inspired through strong community. What comes to mind are initiatives, like @BlackInNeuro, which has been a tremendous source of inspiration, support, encouragement, & opportunity for me & so many others! #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/CEIGKkzTDt
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
Do you have any suggested actions for researchers looking to promote Black representation in STEM?
A8.
👉🏿 Fund Black scientists
👉🏿 Promote Black scientists to senior levels
👉🏿 Cite Black scientists' research
👉🏿 It's not enough to hire us, ensure the working environment is safe and we can thrive
👉🏿 Engage with #BlackInX networks inc. @BlackInNeuro @BlackInMH#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/bttvQ9myUm— Yannick Yalipende (@yyalipende) February 17, 2021
A8. To promote Black representation, first get to know other Black scientists and collaborate with them, get funding together and start science companies together #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/TdOfQJ9QuW
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
Cross-racial sponsorship is important. I know it sounds like an oxymoron when I just said let's have more black mentors. Our non-black colleagues can share their social capital and open up opportunities to help even the playfield #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/O4AfokFIBz
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A8.
Cite our work.Amplify our voices and messages.
Value us beyond Black History Month.#FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/JEKoJ9KgzB
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
What do you envision Black representation in STEM to look like in the next 5 years?
A9. I have a dream of building Black-led innovation hubs. These would be interdisciplinary research teams that can tackle scientific questions that disproportionately affect our communities. I see the seeds for these, and now it's time to grow them #FSGForBHM21 @MyBioTechniques https://t.co/q7SlanklCa
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A9. Improving Black representation is a long-term effort that won’t be “solved” in 5 years. However I hope to see more Black STEM professionals highlighted in the textbooks, fairer distribution of scientific funding, & more Black professionals in leadership roles. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/aYRSrxJzZV
— Dr Esther Odekunle (@EstOdek) February 17, 2021
A9. I have no doubt that Black representation in science will be better than it is today. For as long as many scientists and the rest of society become more inclusive so will science. For science is not an ivory tower #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/HkFJzcpl8L
— Geoffrey Siwo (@gsiwo) February 17, 2021
The reality of low pay and long hours mean that few people are interested in working in this field. How can we encourage more people including Black people to work in the sciences?
A10. I think that is true to an extent. However, within that "long hours and low pay" framework, there is also a systematic under-representation and underpay of black scientists that is sometimes casually framed as an "oversight". #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/VL1ReEN5qh
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
A10. Agree with the comments on promoting the positive aspects & impacts of science. We should also seek ways to equitably support our trainees, financially & otherwise, accounting for often additional challenges faced by Black & other underrepresented scientists. #FSGForBHM21 https://t.co/7E7SEHqUqD
— Dr. Nii (@DrNiiAddy) February 17, 2021
I’m having trouble coming up with ideas on how to bring DEI into heavily quantitative bioengineering courses (e.g. biofluid mechanics) and would be interested in hearing suggestions!
There are amazing resources and events through the National Society for Black Engineers @NSBE. One of the best things I've done for my career is joining the local @nsbeboston chapter. https://t.co/0fa8GG2xzF
— Sara Suliman (@SaraSuliman13) February 17, 2021
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