Westchester Reporter

Pace University issued the following announcement on June 30.

A team of international scientists coordinated by Pace University and the University of Vienna in an article published recently in Nature Ecology & Evolution called for a collective effort by the entire scientific community, especially those in leadership positions, to actively support the retention and diversity of early-career scientists during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article’s authors emphasize the consequences this crisis will have on early-career scientists, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in the fields of environmental sciences, including minorities, women, researchers from the Global South, and persons with disabilities. This is particularly relevant in the current moment, as longstanding racial health and social inequities in the United States lead to worse health outcomes for African Americans and other minority groups during epidemics, placing additional burdens on scientists from these communities as they grapple with additional emotional and financial stress.

“It is important that we keep in mind the life perspective and diversity of scientists,” says Bea Maas, PhD, University of Vienna, lead author of the article.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges for all sectors of society, including scientists faced with abrupt disruptions and redirections of research and higher education in general.

“Coping with the current and long-term consequences of the pandemic for underrepresented communities requires courageous and communal action from the entire scientific community,” says co-author Anne Toomey, PhD, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University.

The team identifies key actions for scientific workplaces, communities and broader policy to show clearly what can be done to support early-career scientists during and after the crisis.

“Our collective recovery in the scientific community to this crisis will depend on maintaining and supporting a diverse membership,”says co-author Monica Palta, PhD, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University.

The authors emphasize that overcoming the acute and long-term challenges of this pandemic calls for a strong international scientific community that understands that diversity and equity are key factors in promoting healthy, resilient ecosystems as the cornerstones of human health and well-being.

Original source can be found here.