Webinar Report: Queer visibility in STEM diversity

How does embracing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community lead to better science?

The future of new discoveries relies on the collaboration of researchers from a variety of different backgrounds. The presence and proportion of the queer/LGBTQ+ community in science might be less visible than that of other groups, such as those based on age or ethnicity. In February’s webinar, we celebrated the positive effects of their representation in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM). Our panellists discussed their work in addressing barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals within the science and technology workforce and shared their own career experiences. Watch the recording to learn how personal identities help shape new discoveries.

The scientific process is a very creative process.

If I’m not authentic to myself, I can’t be creative

Moderator: Vinodh Ilangovan, Postdoctoral Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, and member of the eLife Early-Career Advisory Group.

Speakers: Alexis Johnson, Pineapple Laboratories; Giles Oldroyd, Research Group Leader, Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University and Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Project ENSA; and Lauren Esposito, Assistant Curator and Schlinger Chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences and co-creator of 500 Queer Scientists.

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Interested in our full selection of #ECRWednesday webinars, on topics such as preprints, finding funding and more? Take a look at the collection of past reports and recordings.