From Bias to Brilliance: The Imperative of DEI in STEM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become rallying cries across industries, promising not only a fairer workplace but also tangible benefits in achieving corporate goals, boosting revenue, and retaining a diverse workforce. As a former academic immersed in the realms of bioethics, neuroethics, public health, and the history of science, I am acutely aware of the discernible void in DEI focus within the realms of biotech and research science. This gap is more than just a statistic; it is a harbinger of biased knowledge that has far-reaching consequences.
The landscape of science and technology has historically been shaped by a homogenous group of individuals—primarily white, middle to upper-class, able-bodied, cis-gendered men. While their brilliance and dedication are undeniable, the perspective they bring is inherently limited. The questions they ask and the solutions they propose are intrinsically tethered to their own experiences. The repercussions of this narrow viewpoint echo through history, from the untold stories of Hidden Figures to the ethical quagmires of eugenics and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.
Picture of six participants of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. This image is believed to be in the public domain and is from the National Archives.
However, the bias isn't confined to the past; it permeates the present. Take, for instance, the oversight in the development of automatic hand dryers that failed to accommodate individuals with darker skin—a stark reminder that even technological advancements can be tinged with inadvertent bias.
To grapple with this issue, we must confront the question: How does this historical bias continue to influence the creation of knowledge in science today?
As a former researcher and scholar on neurodiversity and autism, I scrutinized the history of autism research. The early studies, initiated in 1943, predominantly focused on white, middle to upper-class boys. The consequences of this skewed perspective are profound; it took nearly four decades to recognize that autism transcends racial and socio-economic boundaries. The foundational knowledge we rely on for further research is, therefore, steeped in a history that excludes diverse voices. What if children of color had been included in those formative studies? How might assessments and interventions differ today?
Addressing this issue requires proactive steps to mitigate bias in contemporary science and technology development. Here are a few strategies drawn from my experiences with clients and fellow researchers:
Leadership Training
Principal Investigators (PIs) are the linchpin of labs and research groups, yet they often lack formal leadership training. Equipping them with skills such as diplomatic communication, collaboration, addressing unconscious bias, and effective listening can transform work environments, reducing turnover and fostering satisfaction within the team.
Supporting Early Diversity STEM Ed Programs
The pipeline to STEM professions starts early, and we must invest in programs that encourage a diverse range of students to explore these fields. Supporting organizations at every educational level, from elementary to graduate school, ensures a more inclusive and impactful future for STEM.
Question the Status Quo
Rigorous scientific protocols must exist, but we can question implicit and explicit standards in science and technology. Can we introduce flexibility in lab schedules? Ensure accessible research sites? Simplify communications for broader understanding? Create inclusive spaces where all team members, regardless of position, contribute their perspectives from start to finish?
Include & Support Diverse Perspectives at All Levels
Lastly, achieving true DEI requires cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives thrive at every level. This demands leadership that understands how to manage teams, encourages creativity, and values input from all members.
In the drive for scientific innovation, each unique piece contributes to the richness of the whole. DEI in STEM isn't just a moral imperative; it's a catalyst for unleashing the full spectrum of human creativity, propelling science and technology into uncharted territories.