Fostering Diversity and Inclusion for Editorial Boards and Publishing Leadership

Abstract

MODERATOR: Brit Stamey J&J Editorial Cary, North Carolina SPEAKERS: Amy McPherson Botanical Society of America Saint Louis, Missouri Jessica Slater Science/AAAS Baltimore, Maryland Frances E Likis Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health Nashville, Tennessee Celia Braithwait Wolters Kluwer Baltimore, Maryland REPORTER: Janaynne Carvalho do Amaral Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil In times of open science, it is fundamental to discuss inclusion, equity, and diversity in scientific publishing, because we have many problems to solve inside the scientific community before being against or in favor of this movement, or even to help in its development. This session, moderated by Brit Stamey, was anchored by the perspectives of 4 different speakers discussing and encouraging societies and journals to take ownership of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Amy McPherson, Director of Publications for the Botanical Society of America, introduced the session by presenting the society’s publications,1 the Annual Botany Conference,2 and the education program, Planting Science,3 all of which are involved with DEI issues. The journals have diverse editorial boards with associate editors from countries other than the United States and almost the same number of men and women, as well as an Early Career Advisory Board. In addition, they have an open call for self-nominations to include interested members of the society, and provide links to associate editors to help them expand their pool of reviewers. The PLANTS Grants program4 engages students from underrepresented groups to increase diversity in the botanical scientific community. The students receive […]