After reflecting on their own research programs, the article’s authors propose four general principles to guide equitable, inclusive, ethical, and safe practices in field biology: be collaborative, be respectful, be legal, and be safe. This article provides suggestions for action-oriented approaches to make field biology more equitable, with particular attention to how those with greater privilege can contribute.
Creators: Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda, Erin P. Western, Jeffrey Frederick, Rebecca D. Tarvin
A very short, digestible, actionable set of recommendations for improving inclusion of students and colleagues who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
Fieldwork, including work done at sea, is a key component of many geoscientists’ careers. Recent studies have highlighted the pervasive harassment faced by women and LGBTQ+ people during fieldwork. However, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) scientists face obstacles which have not yet been thoroughly examined. The article’s authors fill this gap by sharing their experiences as TGD people. In this work, they provide recommendations for individuals, cruise leaders, and institutions for making seagoing work safer for our communities.
Creators: Kay McMonigal, Natalya Evans, Dani Jones, Jay Brett, Reece C. James, Mar C. Arroyo, A-bel Y. Gong, Elizabeth C. Miller, Colette Kelly, Jule Middleton, Chris Spear, Wil Holmes, Dakota Lane
The article from the Huffington Post’s Highline section discusses incidents of gender harassment, hostility, and violence that have occurred during fieldwork within America’s national parks and forests.
A survey of field scientists reveals that experiences of sexual harassment and assault are common, particularly among women trainees who are often targeted by senior team members, while male trainees face harassment from peers. Many respondents were unfamiliar with codes of conduct or reporting mechanisms and were dissatisfied with the outcomes when they did report incidents. The study highlights the need for improved policies on safety and inclusivity, better reporting mechanisms, and effective responses to harassment, with principal investigators playing a key role in shaping fieldwork culture.
Creators: Kathryn B. H. Clancy, Robin G. Nelson, Julienne N. Rutherford, Katie Hinde
