Promoting Inclusive Metrics of Success and Impact to Dismantle a Discriminatory Reward System in Science

Authors

Sarah W. Davies, Boston University
Hollie M. Putnam, University of Rhode Island
Tracy Ainsworth, UNSW Sydney
Julia K. Baum, University of Victoria
Colleen B. Bove, Boston University
Sarah C. Crosby, Earthplace, Inc.
Isabelle M. Cote, Simon Fraser University
Anne Duplouy, Helsingin Yliopisto
Robinson W. Fulweiler, Boston University
Alyssa J. Griffin, Bodega Marine Laboratory
Torrance C. Hanley, Northeastern University
Tessa Hill, Bodega Marine Laboratory
Adriana Humanes, Newcastle University
Sangeeta Mangubhai, Wildlife Conservation Society
Anna Metaxas, Dalhousie University
Laura M. Parker, UNSW Sydney
Hanny E. Rivera, Boston University
Nyssa J. Silbiger, California State University, Northridge
Nicola S. Smith, Simon Fraser University
Ana K. Spalding, Oregon State University
Nikki Traylor-Knowles, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Brooke L. Weigel, The University of Chicago
Rachel M. Wright, Smith CollegeFollow
Amanda E. Bates, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2021

Publication Title

PLoS Biology

Abstract

Success and impact metrics in science are based on a system that perpetuates sexist and racist "rewards"by prioritizing citations and impact factors. These metrics are flawed and biased against already marginalized groups and fail to accurately capture the breadth of individuals' meaningful scientific impacts. We advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We outline pathways for a paradigm shift in scientific values based on multidimensional mentorship and promoting mentee well-being. These actions will require collective efforts supported by academic leaders and administrators to drive essential systemic change.

Volume

19

Issue

6

DOI

10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282

ISSN

15449173

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Rights

Copyright: © 2021 Davies et al.

Comments

Archived as published.

Recommended Citation

Davies, Sarah W.; Putnam, Hollie M.; Ainsworth, Tracy; Baum, Julia K.; Bove, Colleen B.; Crosby, Sarah C.; Cote, Isabelle M.; Duplouy, Anne; Fulweiler, Robinson W.; Griffin, Alyssa J.; Hanley, Torrance C.; Hill, Tessa; Humanes, Adriana; Mangubhai, Sangeeta; Metaxas, Anna; Parker, Laura M.; Rivera, Hanny E.; Silbiger, Nyssa J.; Smith, Nicola S.; Spalding, Ana K.; Traylor-Knowles, Nikki; Weigel, Brooke L.; Wright, Rachel M.; and Bates, Amanda E., "Promoting Inclusive Metrics of Success and Impact to Dismantle a Discriminatory Reward System in Science" (2021). Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/bio_facpubs/174