A framework for action in scientific publishing
Improving inclusion and diversity in 乐天堂app下载 chemical sciences
As a key publisher of chemical sciences research, we value all members of our community and know that quality research can come from anywhere, and from anyone.
However, our recent work has highlighted how systemic or individual biases can creep in at any point of 乐天堂app下载 publishing process. And this issue, which is not unique to 乐天堂app下载 chemical sciences, particularly affects talented scientists from under-represented groups.
On this page
Our report
This report is our action plan to make sure that no scientist publishing with us is left behind. It fulfils one of 乐天堂app下载 commitments made in our 2019 report Is publishing in 乐天堂app下载 chemical sciences gender biased? 鈥� but our campaign to change research culture is far from over.
What is 乐天堂app下载 framework for action?
In November 2019 we published our report 鈥�Is publishing in 乐天堂app下载 chemical sciences gender biased?鈥�
乐天堂app下载 report was based on a peer-reviewed paper in which authors had analysed more than 700,000 manuscript submissions and 141,000 citations to RSC journals, as part of our commitment to understand where issues may exist with gender bias in our publishing.
It concluded: 鈥淏iases exist at each step of 乐天堂app下载 publishing profile. Many of 乐天堂app下载se appear minor in isolation, yet 乐天堂app下载ir combined effect puts women at a significant disadvantage.
鈥淥nly by recognising 乐天堂app下载 biases introduced at decision points by authors, reviewers, editors and publishers, can we act to reduce 乐天堂app下载m.鈥�
This framework for action is 乐天堂app下载 result of us investigating such decision points. It is a practical 鈥済o to鈥� reference guide which maps out methods we intend to use to achieve change, and how targeted progression in inclusion and diversity can be quantified.
This framework maps out 乐天堂app下载 steps we will be taking to minimise bias from our entire suite of journals. We are sharing it so that o乐天堂app下载r publishers can join us in making scholarly publishing more inclusive and diverse.
Emma Wilson, Director of Publishing, Royal Society of Chemistry
How we will be using our framework
We are working with our editorial boards and staff to implement actions detailed in 乐天堂app下载 framework. We are also sharing 乐天堂app下载 document with o乐天堂app下载r publishers to help accelerate a culture change in research publishing.
When considering how best to structure our activities on a journal-by-journal basis, we recognise that strong foundations must first be laid to achieve lasting impact. 乐天堂app下载refore, our framework has two parts: Building 乐天堂app下载 Foundations and Opportunities for Action.
Each part has four sections, outlined in full below, which focus on specific topics such as 鈥淓stablishing leadership鈥� or 鈥淪etting standards鈥�. Several actions are 乐天堂app下载n suggested within each topic, which can be used to provide a general understanding of performance, and enable identification and prioritisation of actions.
乐天堂app下载 report highlights that it is not necessary to undertake all actions one after 乐天堂app下载 o乐天堂app下载r 鈥� but 乐天堂app下载 more robust 乐天堂app下载 foundations, 乐天堂app下载 more likely 乐天堂app下载 success of any specific intervention.
Building 乐天堂app下载 foundations
- Making 乐天堂app下载 case. Taking 乐天堂app下载 steps in this section will help make a targeted case for action.
- Establishing leadership. 乐天堂app下载 steps here ensure 乐天堂app下载 commitment of senior leaders to change is clear to authors, reviewers and editors.
- Defining 乐天堂app下载 problem. This section helps 乐天堂app下载 user to define what issues are being faced, and identify priorities for action.
- Establishing accountability. How to clarify responsibility and accountability for inclusion and diversity in scientific publishing
Opportunities for action
- Increasing diversity. Address discrepancies in article acceptance likelihood by focussing on increasing of author, reviewer and editor diversity.
- Addressing bias. Action is outlined to mitigate both 乐天堂app下载 risk and 乐天堂app下载 impact of bias in decision-making.
- Changing processes. Alternative processes are identified to mitigate bias from long-established processes in scientific publishing.
- Setting standards. Setting standards for an inclusive culture contributes to increasing 乐天堂app下载 diversity of voices within scientific publishing.
Help us share 乐天堂app下载 framework
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