Academic leaders must support inclusive scientific communities during COVID-19

To the Editor — The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges for all sectors of society, including scientists faced with abrupt disruptions and redirections of research and higher education¹. The consequences of this crisis will disproportionately impact early-career scientists; especially those from communities historically underrepresented, disadvantaged and/or discriminated in the fields of environmental sciences, including women, researchers from the Global South and persons with disabilities². We call for a collective effort by the entire scientific community, especially those in leadership positions, to respond to the short- and long-term challenges of this crisis and to protect decades of efforts to build an inclusive scientific community³.

Diverse and inclusive scientific communities are more productive, innovative and impactful⁴, but also acutely threatened by the current crisis. Sudden increase in responsibilities for family care, teaching, supervision and administration particularly risks scientists from underrepresented groups becoming severely overburdened⁵. For example, women are more often responsible for service and student mentorship than their male colleagues in academia, resulting in increased workloads and fewer opportunities for career advancement^4,6. The current crisis may also pose disproportionate existential threats to scientists about whose representation and equality is still too little known (for example, ethnic and racial minorities, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals). Scientists with limited financial or technological resources who depend on temporary income or visas for their work are currently at a distinct disadvantage⁷, and need support to pursue educational and career opportunities.

Inequalities based on racism and discrimination, such as the disturbing instances of racist attacks on people of Asian descent since the spread of the virus, will affect the international scientific community not only in the next weeks and months⁸, but over the long term. Coping with the current and long-term consequences of the pandemic requires courageous action at all levels of our scientific community (Fig. 1). The Academic Leadership is especially in demand for actively supporting and protecting the integrity of our field, and building a diversity, equity and inclusion focus into all COVID-19-related recovery efforts in scientific workplaces, communities and broader policies.

Fig. 1. Actions are required at all science levels.

Three ideas for the Academic Leadership to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the scientific workplace, at community and institute levels, as well as in broader policy and decision-making.

Fair distribution and recognition of communal tasks build the foundation for a supportive academic environment, but early-career scientists in precarious situations need more than that. Scientific policy and decision-makers need to set up support measures that protect inclusive scientific communities from economic recession, reduced job and funding availability, and increased competition. Increasing job security and resource accessibility creates more healthy work environments, intercepting emotional and financial stress caused by inequality^9,10. Overcoming this pandemic requires a strong international scientific community that understands that diversity and equity are key factors in promoting healthy, resilient environments as the cornerstones of human health and well-being^9,11.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.