TABLE 2.

Key scientific and dissemination recommendations for the annual meeting, flagship journal, and SRNT University

Develop procedures for selecting a diverse group of conference Program Committee members and abstract reviewers.

Elevate research on minoritized populations and health equity to the same extent as other areas of study (e.g. basic science, policy or treatment research) at annual meetings (e.g. create a ‘Health Equity track’ for abstract submissions; require abstract submissions to articulate how the work addresses racial/ethnic disparities and make this an evaluation criterion; allow non-members with relevant racial/health equity expertise and/or lived experience to serve as Program Committee members and/or reviewers as appropriate).

Find creative ways to encourage diversity among meeting attendees (e.g. develop procedures to ensure diversity with respect to race/ethnicity, Indigeneity, gender and geography during abstract selection process; ensure at least one of the speakers in panel presentation sessions represents such diversity).

Revise membership dues and meeting registration fees to minimize financial barriers for scientists from under-represented groups and from smaller institutions with fewer financial resources compared to large research institutions.

Develop ways to track and promote racial/ethnic/Indigenous diversity among all editorial staff (editor, deputies and associates), reviewers and authors of the Society’s flagship journal, Nicotine & Tobacco Research (NTR).

Incorporate use of a specialty deputy editor (or an editorial team) for racial equity, to review NTR papers that specifically examine or address race/ethnicity.

Clearly state how race, ethnicity and Indigeneity should be addressed in NTR submissions (e.g. language to address specific population groups, providing context for analyses and/or findings related to race) in the Instructions for Authors and Instructions for Reviewers, with a specific acknowledgement that race has been used to harm specific populations in the past.

Develop specific content focused on health equity-centred topics, including but not limited to: community-based participatory research, methods for conducting ethical research with Indigenous populations, de-colonizing tobacco research (e.g. appropriate language, methods), exploring privilege and how membership in a privileged group can influence worldviews and research and tobacco’s role in health inequity.