Diversity Equity & Inclusion
The Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN) is a scientific organization dedicated to the study of hormonal processes and neuroendocrine systems that regulate behavior. As part of this mission, we strive to build a representative membership community through inclusivity and advocacy. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee serves to provide resources and support for scientists from a diversity of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic background. Together we strive to provide an environment that is centered on amplifying the voices of SBN members who are underrepresented in science, acknowledging the lived experiences of scientists from all backgrounds, and ultimately broadening participation in the behavioral neuroendocrinology community.
Below is a list of some of the actions we are taking as a scientific society. These are just a start. We will provide ample opportunity for feedback and for our members to shape our DEI efforts:
- We offer trainings and workshops for SBN members on themes related to Diversity and Equity in inclusion. Previous trainings included topics related to mentoring and funding. Most recently we had webinar entitled “Building Bridges: Funding opportunities within NIH to create a diverse workforce in behavioral neuroendocrinology.” This webinar discussed NIH funding opportunities to enhance support and participation with those from underrepresented backgrounds with the goal of creating a diverse workforce, including fostering collaborations with Minority Serving Institutions. This webinar was co-led by two NIH program officers, Dr. Michelle Jones-London and Dr. Dawn Morales. Dr. Michelle Jones-London serves as Chief, Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity (OPEN-WD) and directs the diversity training and workforce development programs at NINDS as well as across the NIH. Dr. Dawn Morales, is the Chief of Rural Mental Health at NIMH and serves in both the Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD) and Office of Rural Mental Health Research (ORMHR). View Slides
- Given the current events highlighting the continued racial injustices taking place in the United States, the SBN wants to act to recruit more diverse members. We are taking steps to highlight the work of scientists in our field from minoritized groups, starting with Black scientists in SBN. As part of our actions, we will be Highlighting Black Neuroendocrinologists on our website and social media. If you would like to be highlighted or have a colleague or trainee who should be highlighted, please send the following information to Dr. Patricia Lopes lopes@chapman.edu. Short statements will facilitate sharing through social media.
- a picture of yourself (could be doing research or just a standard profile photo)
- a short summary on your research interests
- a short summary of your career trajectory (how you got interested/started in research).
- a link to your website and/or google scholar page, if you want people to be able to view more information about your work.
- We provide anti-racism resources (link to resources listed in next page), which include suggested readings, organizations to support, and mental health resources, to our members.
- In future efforts, we will develop a code of conduct, provide travel scholarships for trainees from underrepresented groups, and suggest inclusive practices in symposium proposals for future in-person meetings.
We welcome feedback and ideas here:
Submit Feedback & Ideas
Signed,
DEI Committee members Kimberly D’Anna-Hernandez, Patricia Lopes, Farrah Madison, and Stephanie Correa