PLoS Biology (Jun 2021)

Promoting inclusive metrics of success and impact to dismantle a discriminatory reward system in science.

  • Sarah W Davies,
  • Hollie M Putnam,
  • Tracy Ainsworth,
  • Julia K Baum,
  • Colleen B Bove,
  • Sarah C Crosby,
  • Isabelle M Côté,
  • Anne Duplouy,
  • Robinson W Fulweiler,
  • Alyssa J Griffin,
  • Torrance C Hanley,
  • Tessa Hill,
  • Adriana Humanes,
  • Sangeeta Mangubhai,
  • Anna Metaxas,
  • Laura M Parker,
  • Hanny E Rivera,
  • Nyssa J Silbiger,
  • Nicola S Smith,
  • Ana K Spalding,
  • Nikki Traylor-Knowles,
  • Brooke L Weigel,
  • Rachel M Wright,
  • Amanda E Bates

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 6
p. e3001282

Abstract

Read online

Success and impact metrics in science are based on a system that perpetuates sexist and racist "rewards" by prioritizing citations and impact factors. These metrics are flawed and biased against already marginalized groups and fail to accurately capture the breadth of individuals' meaningful scientific impacts. We advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We outline pathways for a paradigm shift in scientific values based on multidimensional mentorship and promoting mentee well-being. These actions will require collective efforts supported by academic leaders and administrators to drive essential systemic change.