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Field ecology's working conditions shape both safety and science

A new viewpoint argues that field ecology's working conditions can heighten vulnerability to harassment, particularly for women of color and LGBTQ+ researchers. The author calls for prevention measures, including clear codes of conduct and team involvement, to ensure research team safety and prevent distortions in knowledge production.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 1, 2026

Women make up nearly 70% of the global health workforce, even as the world faces a shortage of 34 million health workers

The global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023, with women driving most of the growth, yet remaining concentrated in lower-paying professions. An additional 34.4 million health workers are needed to achieve moderate universal health coverage, with shortages greatest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateAug 18, 2026

Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program underway at 18 research institutions across the country

The Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program is launching its fifth cohort, welcoming 80 medical students from across the US and Puerto Rico for a six-week immersion in clinical research, community engagement, and improving clinical trial participation. Students will gain hands-on experience at leading institutions nationwide.

New global research reveals strong public trust in science

A new international study on public trust in science found that most people trust scientists and believe they should be more involved in society and policymaking. The study also highlights areas of concern, such as the lack of attention to others' views and misalignment between scientific priorities and public values.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 20, 2025

Early academic success does not lead to increased STEM college enrollment for Black and Latine students

A recent study published in American Journal of Education found that White English-speaking students are the only group with a positive relationship between early STEM aptitude and majoring in a STEM subject in college. For Black and Latine students, early STEM aptitude does not translate into STEM enrollment.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Hardest hit by heat

A new study analyzing US data from 1993 to 2005 found that extreme heat disproportionately affects racial minorities, with a higher excess death rate for Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to whites. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to shield vulnerable populations from growing temperature dangers.

Quotas alone will not solve the problem

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub recommends aligning quotas with an inclusive culture to improve women's representation in science. The research finds that even extreme quotas are not sufficient to increase minorities' visibility in top ranks, highlighting the need for behavioral interventions and regulation to overcome biases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

Three professional societies unite on National Science Foundation grant in effort to increase access and inclusivity in ornithology

Researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Virginia Tech are teaming up with three ornithological societies to create widespread cultural change and increased inclusivity within the field of ornithology. The project aims to design affinity groups that will facilitate transformative resilience among historically marginalize...

Yes, we can!

A study by physicists Fariba Karimi and her team has confirmed that women are underrepresented in physics, but found that the gender gap is largely due to a first-mover advantage enjoyed by men. The research suggests that women face higher entry barriers and structural inequalities, leading to differences in citation recognition.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

How to keep researchers safe in the field

A team of researchers developed a comprehensive guide to making fieldwork safer and more equitable for students from diverse backgrounds. The document addresses risks such as mobility challenges, cultural sensitivities, and structural inequality, providing resources for leaders to create inclusive teams.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

New studies show special mental health risks for certain groups of new doctors

Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 2022

Sharrief awarded $3.1 million NIH grant to test whether telehealth improves racial disparities in outcomes for stroke survivors

A $3.1 million NIH grant will fund a trial testing multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to reduce racial disparities in blood pressure control and stroke recurrence among adult stroke survivors. The study aims to identify social determinants of health that impact outcomes and explore ways to address them.

‘Superhuman, but never enough’: Essay details inequities experienced by Black women physicians in the United States

Black women physicians in the United States encounter barriers such as lower earnings and reduced promotion opportunities, despite having the same training and expertise as their colleagues. The essay highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine to address these disparities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2021

Some pancreatic cancer clinical trial eligibility criteria may be more likely to disqualify black patients

A simulated screening process for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from trials. The study found that nutrition and infectious disease criteria disproportionately excluded Black patients, while a history of prior cancer treatment excluded more...