The SSE Diversity Committee (DC) seeks to add two new members starting in 2020. The DC works to create a professional society that is supportive of members from all backgrounds through several main actions: by broadening representation to the SSE Executive Council, by pursuing initiatives that support underrepresented groups, and by creating an inclusive, accessible environment at the Evolution conference.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a brief (1-2 page) statement of interest outlining their experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) service, and the ideas, events, and perspective they plan to contribute during their 3-year term. The DC seeks diverse members who represent different backgrounds and perspectives. Thus, we ask that applicants describe particular elements of their background and/or identity that will contribute uniquely to the composition of the DC. Applicants should also identify their career stage and affiliation, as we welcome participation from members of the community across all stages of their training, and in all career paths.
Requirements
Applicants must be members of SSE (join or renew your membership here: http://bit.ly/joinSSE) and have attended at least one Evolution conference in the past. These items should also be mentioned in the application statement.
About the DC
Many of the DC’s initiatives are created and operated with the DCs of our sister societies, the American Society of Naturalists and the Society for Systematic Biologists. Past or ongoing efforts of the SSE DC include:
- Data collection and analysis regarding the demographic composition of SSE
- Creation of guidelines on best practices for awards procedures
- Events at the Evolution meeting including Story Collider and mixers to build community among LGBTQ+ biologists, biologists with disabilities, biologists of color, biologists at PUIs, and parents
- Improving accessibility at the Evolution conference for scientists with disabilities, scientists of marginalized genders, and scientists who are nursing/caretaking
More information about the SSE DC and our prior initiatives can be found below.
Deadline
Please submit your application by January 24, 2020 to diversity@evolutionsociety.org. Questions may also be directed to this email address.
The SSE Diversity Committee will promote diversity and inclusiveness to enhance the field of evolutionary biology and foster the career of its developing scientists.
A diverse and inclusive SSE will foster innovation, creativity, and inclusion at all professional levels.
Evolutionary biology as a discipline studies diversity. The SSE Diversity Committee’s goals are: 1) to celebrate and foster the inclusion of all social, racial, and economic groups in the Society and 2) to promote the advancement of the study of evolutionary biology among underrepresented groups by fostering the recruitment and retention of individuals of all identity groups. Our guiding principles are:
Inclusiveness: Improving the inclusion of underrepresented minority scientists in the field of evolutionary biology.
Retention: Devising and implementing strategies for the retention of underrepresented scientists.
Mentorship: Showing by example by pairing early-career scholars with mid-career and advanced career scientists.
Professional development: Supporting scientific and policy leaders through educational opportunities.
Informed decision making: Using data collection initiatives related to diversity to guide decisions that directly or indirectly connect to our values and guiding principles.
The Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) is dedicated to promoting a broader understanding of evolutionary biology and its related subfields. We encourage the professional development of our members and support increasing participation and access. At the scientific core of evolutionary biology is a value for and appreciation of biological diversity. Accordingly, we welcome, support, and celebrate the diversity of our members. We are sensitive to the ways that diversity changes and grows in modern society and acknowledge that diversity principles change through time. As a professional society we promote equity, inclusion, and diversity at all levels, and we encourage participation by individuals of all groups. We encourage an inclusive, supportive, and impartial workspace free from discrimination, bigotry, sexual harassment, or violence of any kind. Finally, we strive to facilitate the effective communication of evolutionary principles to the public to foster a broader understanding of evolutionary biology, biological diversity, and cultural inclusion.
Daniel Matute (Co-Chair)
Catherine Rushworth (Co-Chair)
Maurine Neiman
Kelly Dyer
Eve Humphrey
Brandon Ogbunugafor
Maria Orive
Irene Liao
Elizabeth Carlen
diversity [at] evolutionsociety.org
Best Practices - Posters and Oral Presentations
In service to the goals of the annual Evolution meeting's three sponsoring societies (ASN, SSB, and SSE), the conference organizers and the Joint Meeting Committee are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. Find a list of diversity events at the meeting here.
At the Evolution 2019 meeting in Providence, RI, the Diversity Committee hosted a special event by the Story Collider, where five scientists shared their true, personal stories. Listen below. Photos by David Del Poío.
Aparna Agrawal
Patty Brennan
Ambika Kamath
C. Brandon Ogbunu
Scott Taylor