Building a diverse and inclusive plant science community

For many people, the culture of plant science, and science more broadly, can feel alienating and intimidating, which often leads to them leaving the discipline for other opportunities. However, studies show that there is a correlation between creative problem solving and increased diversity, and plant science cannot afford to lose talented individuals. Here we report on strategies to promote diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all within plant science. We address ways that institutions, organizations, communities, educators, and individuals can contribute to this needed cultural change. We urge all plant scientists to participate in these efforts; for each other, for the discipline, and for the future.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Experimental Botany
Published
2026-02-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erag060
Primary Topic
Animal and Plant Science Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Building a diverse and inclusive plant science community

Sofie Goormachtig, Andrea Paterlini, Agnes Uhereczky, Mary Elizabeth Williams et al.
Journal of Experimental Botany
Animal and Plant Science Education
article

Building a diverse and inclusive plant science community

Sofie Goormachtig, Andrea Paterlini, Agnes Uhereczky, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Yoselin Benitez‐Alfonso, Devang Mehta
article en

Abstract

For many people, the culture of plant science, and science more broadly, can feel alienating and intimidating, which often leads to them leaving the discipline for other opportunities. However, studies show that there is a correlation between creative problem solving and increased diversity, and plant science cannot afford to lose talented individuals. Here we report on strategies to promote diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all within plant science. We address ways that institutions, organizations, communities, educators, and individuals can contribute to this needed cultural change. We urge all plant scientists to participate in these efforts; for each other, for the discipline, and for the future.

Journal of Experimental Botany
University of Leeds (GB), American Society of Plant Biologists (US), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (BE), Ghent University (BE), VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (BE), University of Edinburgh (GB), KU Leuven (BE)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Animal and Plant Science Education
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