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

Author

Listed:
  • 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

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 We advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.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.This Essay argues that success and impact metrics in science are based on a system that perpetuates sexist and racist ‘rewards’ by prioritizing citations and impact factors; the authors advocate shifting this outdated value system to advance science through principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 & Tes, 2021. "Promoting inclusive metrics of success and impact to dismantle a discriminatory reward system in science," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(6), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pbio00:3001282
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282
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    2. Wei Fu & Shin-Yi Chou & Li-San Wang, 2022. "NIH Grant Expansion, Ancestral Diversity and Scientific Discovery in Genomics Research," NBER Working Papers 30155, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Brielle Lillywhite & Gregor Wolbring, 2022. "Emergency and Disaster Management, Preparedness, and Planning (EDMPP) and the ‘Social’: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-50, October.
    4. Katie Wilson & Chun-Kai (Karl) Huang & Lucy Montgomery & Cameron Neylon & Rebecca N. Handcock & Alkim Ozaygen & Aniek Roelofs, 2022. "Changing the Academic Gender Narrative through Open Access," Publications, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Stefano Mammola & Elena Piano & Alberto Doretto & Enrico Caprio & Dan Chamberlain, 2022. "Measuring the influence of non-scientific features on citations," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(7), pages 4123-4137, July.
    6. Gregor Wolbring, 2022. "Auditing the ‘Social’ of Quantum Technologies: A Scoping Review," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-38, March.
    7. Anastasia Rogova & Isabel Martinez Leal & Maggie Britton & Shine Chang & Kamisha H. Escoto & Kayce D. Solari Williams & Crystal Roberson & Lorna H. McNeill & Lorraine R. Reitzel, 2022. "Promoting Cancer Health Equity: A Qualitative Study of Mentee and Mentor Perspectives of a Training Program for Underrepresented Scholars in Cancer Health Disparities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-22, June.
    8. Simerta Gill & Gregor Wolbring, 2022. "Auditing the ‘Social’ Using Conventions, Declarations, and Goal Setting Documents: A Scoping Review," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-100, October.
    9. Gregor Wolbring & Aspen Lillywhite, 2023. "Burnout through the Lenses of Equity/Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Disabled People: A Scoping Review," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-31, May.

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