Jeffrey MervisThe U.S. research community may finally be ready to confront the “R” word.In response to a request from the chairwoman of the science committee in the U.S.
House of Representatives, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is gearing up for an in-depth study of racism in academic research.Previous NASEM studies have documented the value of diversity to the practice of science, and recommended ways to broaden participation by groups historically underrepresented in science.
But the study proposed by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D–TX) would break new ground, say researchers who study the topic, by asking the community to examine long-standing beliefs and practices that have marginalized many.