The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) received a three-year ADVANCE grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate and improve the process of granting awards and prizes for scholarly achievement in STEM related academic disciplines.  In the majority of disciplines investigated, there was a marked underrepresentation of women among recipients of scholarly awards due to implicit bias, which was apparent throughout the selection process.  We will discuss the implications of our findings and the effect that a lack of meaningful recognition has on scientific advancement in academia for women and, in particular, underrepresented minorities.  During this session we will also discuss the various initiatives that AWIS will be implementing to reduce and eventually eliminate the bias which exists in today's STEM environment and the efforts that will be undertaken to increase the level of diversity and inclusion, as well as increased recognition, for women and underrepresented minorities in academia.  Although each individual is accountable for their own future, the need for institutions to provide sensitivity training and a heightened awareness of the importance of addressing issues which prevent women and underrepresented minorities from advancement to full professorship and beyond will be also be discussed. Finally, we will share best practices and lessons learned that can be implemented by participants in working to improve and educate others on the positive impact that increased diversity and inclusion can have on advancement and organizational leadership.

Recreating the award selection process to positively impact diversity and inclusion in STEM

246th National Meeting (2013)

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