Below is a summary of what we are doing to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. Get to know talented researchers: Follow and amplify #BlackinMicrobiome on Twitter.
Our values
In September 2020, we hosted a microbiome community circle to reflect and discuss how to embody our community's values as we build out the BCMM. The values that emerged are illustrated in the word cloud (right).
Ongoing efforts to support our community
Antiracist book club series
In 2020-2021, we invited members to join us to discuss a text confronting racism and the experiences of being BIPOC in America. All sessions occurred over zoom and was led by Patricia Sanchez, a graduate student in the Ethnic Studies program at San Francisco State University. These informed discussions on racism provided us with the opportunity to learn, discuss and become active participants in our efforts to combat racism in our community.
Recognize unconscious bias in the peer review process
Unconscious bias is known to impact the peer review process. In our instructions to reviewers for Microbiome Research Program, we asked reviewers to acknowledge that intrinsic or unconscious biases exist and may impact their assessment of particular people or projects. We therefore asked reviewers to be mindful of UCSF PRIDE values to honor diversity, inclusion, and equity and make every effort to maintain the highest level of fairness, consistency, and transparency in their review and decision-making processes.
Commitment to transparency
We believe that full transparency is essential to establish trust with all members of our community. As we establish policies for various BCMM activities, we will make them available on our BCMM website.
Amplify other DEI groups and events
When we learn of other antiracist or DEI-focused groups and events, we amplify their distribution via our Events page or social media (@ucsfmicrobiome). We hear about many events through the UCSF's Office of Diversity and Outreach 'Matter' Is the Minimum newsletter.
We will frequently amplify the activities from ImmunoDiverse, a community-led initiative sponsored by UCSF ImmunoX.
Bring more voices to the table
To amplify the voices of our trainees and give microbiome trainees an opportunity to serve in a leadership position, we created a new BCMM Ambassador role. The Ambassadors participates in BCMM Executive Committee meetings, chairs a trainee subcommittee, and serves as a liaison between the BCMM trainee community and the Executive Committee. Meet our Ambassadors.
Past and future BCMM events
View past community and DEI-focused events that we have hosted or amplified.
DEI Resources
- Overview of UCSF's Anti-Racism Initiative
- Talking about Race and Inequity in Science - Guide for Faculty
- Graduate Division's Anti-racism Resources, Support, and Action
- Office of Diversity list of resources
- Tip sheets developed by the UCSF Committee on the Status of Women
Do you have other ideas or suggestions? Let us know (anonymously or not) via the form below.
