Equity in Science

 

Imagine a world where everyone had an equal opportunity to pursue a career in science, where the next Einstein could come from any background, any country, any gender and not just the privileged few. Equity in science is about unlocking the full potential of human ingenuity.

Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges, taking into account the unique circumstances and needs of individuals or groups. It recognises that different individuals or groups may require different levels of support or accommodations to achieve a level playing field. Equity aims to address historical and systemic disadvantages and achieve ‘equality of opportunity’. Equality refers to the principle of treating everyone the same or providing the exact same opportunities and resources to all individuals or groups regardless of need. It focuses on uniformity and equal treatment without necessarily considering the specific needs, circumstances, or historical disadvantages that certain individuals or groups may face.

In the wake of the global pandemic, the importance of scientific progress and innovation has never been more evident.  Science has the power to change the world — from healthcare and technology to policy and environment.

There are various concerns/challenges regarding the same:

• Women and other marginalised groups continue to face barriers to enter and advance in scientific fields.
• Lack of research funding and underrepresentation of certain groups.
• Funding inequity can compound over time and create a cycle of exclusion within the scientific community.
• Less attention has been paid to equity in the scientific publishing process.
• Caste-based discrimination and the historical legacy of colonialism.

Equity in science is thus not just about fairness; it’s about unleashing untapped potential. A sustained, collective effort from individual institutions to national and international bodies could help create a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. There is a need to reform funding processes. There is a need to foster collaboration between academia, industry and government. Also we need to promote gender sensitive education and employment policies. We need to challenge patriarchal norms and practices and we need to address systemic inequalities based on caste, class and religion.