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

Authors

Sarah W. Davies
Hollie M. Putnam, University of Rhode IslandFollow
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 Metaxes
Laura M. Parker
Hanny E. Rivera
Nyss J. Sibiger
Nicola S. Smith
Ana K. Spaulding
Nikki Traylor-Knowles
Brooke L. Weigel
Rachel M. Wright
Amanda E. Bates

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2021

Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

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 We advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.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.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

PLoS Biology

Volume

19

Issue

6

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Davies SW, Putnam HM, Ainsworth T, Baum JK, Bove CB, Crosby SC, et al. (2021) Promoting inclusive metrics of success and impact to dismantle a discriminatory reward system in science. PLoS Biol 19(6): e3001282. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282

Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.