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Intersectional analysis for science and technology

Author

Listed:
  • Mathias Wullum Nielsen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Elena Gissi

    (Institute of Marine Sciences
    National Biodiversity Future Center)

  • Shirin Heidari

    (Geneva Graduate Institute)

  • Richard Horton

    (The Lancet)

  • Kari C. Nadeau

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University)

  • Dorothy Ngila

    (National Research Foundation of South Africa)

  • Safiya Umoja Noble

    (University of California, Los Angeles
    University of California, Los Angeles
    University of California, Los Angeles
    University of California, Los Angeles)

  • Hee Young Paik

    (Seoul National University)

  • Girmaw Abebe Tadesse

    (Microsoft AI for Good Lab)

  • Eddy Y. Zeng

    (Environmental Pollution)

  • James Zou

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University
    Stanford University)

  • Londa Schiebinger

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University)

Abstract

Intersectionality describes interdependent systems of inequality related to sex, gender, race, age, class and other socio-political dimensions. By focusing on the compounded effects of social categories, intersectional analysis can enhance the accuracy and experimental efficiency of science. Here we extend intersectional approaches that were predominantly developed in the humanities, social sciences and public health to the fields of natural science and technology, where this type of analysis is less established. Informed by diverse global and disciplinary examples—from enhancing facial recognition for diverse user bases to mitigating the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized populations—we extract methods to demonstrate how quantitative intersectional analysis functions throughout the research process, from strategic considerations for establishing research priorities to formulating research questions, collecting and analysing data and interpreting results. Our goal is to offer a set of guidelines for researchers, peer-reviewed journals and funding agencies that facilitate systematic integration of intersectional analysis into relevant domains of science and technology. Precision in research best guides effective social and environmental policy aimed at achieving global equity and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathias Wullum Nielsen & Elena Gissi & Shirin Heidari & Richard Horton & Kari C. Nadeau & Dorothy Ngila & Safiya Umoja Noble & Hee Young Paik & Girmaw Abebe Tadesse & Eddy Y. Zeng & James Zou & Londa , 2025. "Intersectional analysis for science and technology," Nature, Nature, vol. 640(8058), pages 329-337, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:640:y:2025:i:8058:d:10.1038_s41586-025-08774-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08774-w
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