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Creating Change in Scientific Institutions through Subversion, Revolution (Title IX) & Climate Change
Author(s) -
Rolison Debra
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.9.1
Subject(s) - status quo , productivity , dismissal , tipping point (physics) , obsolescence , public relations , wonder , political science , environmental ethics , sociology , law , business , marketing , psychology , economics , economic growth , engineering , social psychology , philosophy , electrical engineering
The slow crawl at which research universities diversify their faculty is a national disgrace in that these universities recruit for students that reflect the face of America, yet are still not yet fully incorporating that pool of talent onto their faculty. Similar difficulties are apparent among the scientific staff of national/federal laboratories. But how can one person change the world of science? Subvert the standard operating procedure. Create a microclimate that shows―over time―how new patterns of operation and inclusiveness yield productive, innovative science. Use the scientific capital and street credentials accrued over time, thanks to the humane microclimate and research productivity of one's team, to challenge the status quo with reasoned and bold arguments for change. Remember the importance of uppity behavior and applying “tipping point” mechanisms to move beyond initial reactions of dismissal to―over time―accepted inevitability (such as greeted my audacious suggestion in March 2000 to withhold federal funds from non‐diversified chemistry departments through application of Title IX). Ask the leaders of our S&T institutions the following: how good can American science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (STEM) be when we are missing more than two‐thirds of the talent? Learn to demand that our world of science be one that truly relishes the talent innate to all of humanity for science and discovery.