Open AccessPromoting inclusive metrics of success and impact to dismantle a discriminatory reward system in science
Author(s) -
Sarah W. Davies,
Hollie M. Putnam,
Tracy D. Ainsworth,
Julia K. Baum,
Colleen B. Bove,
Sarah C. Crosby,
Isabelle M. Côté,
Anne Duplouy,
Robinson W. Fulweiler,
Alyssa Griffin,
Torrance C. Hanley,
T. M. Hill,
Adriana Humanes,
Sangeeta Mangubhai,
Anna Meta×as,
Laura M. Parker,
Hanny E. Rivera,
Nyssa J. Silbiger,
Nicola Smith,
Ana K. Spalding,
Nikki Traylor-Knowles,
Brooke L. Weigel,
Rachel M. Wright,
Amanda E. Bates
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.127
H-Index - 271
eISSN - 1545-7885
pISSN - 1544-9173
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282
Subject(s) - mentorship , equity (law) , biology , diversity (politics) , value (mathematics) , inclusion (mineral) , reward system , public relations , engineering ethics , sociology , political science , social science , computer science , law , machine learning , neuroscience , anthropology , engineering
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 We advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.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.