Using top-down and bottom-up approaches to advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Only when we approach science from multiple perspectives will we accelerate our understanding and protection for the earth we all share. Institutional barriers – such as lack of time, resources, or recognition – can impede academic engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related activities. To minimize these barriers and effectively promote DEI activities in our institutions, we propose a model across multiple scales of engagement: from the individual/personal scale to working/research groups to administrative units such as departments, schools, and field stations. We provide examples of a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches to remove barriers that limit DEI in the geosciences. We highlight ideas for theoretical contemplation as well as concrete action items from the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in South Carolina, USA. Some of these actions include working with local community groups to bridge the gap between scientific needs of the local community and the scientific community at large; grant writing to meaningfully engage with marginalized communities that rely on natural resources; and opening discourse to uncover barriers to more equal representation. The goal is to provide a DEI structure that blends individual contributions and initiative with administrative support and leadership, therein supporting geoscientists across career stages that are diverse in their backgrounds, motivation and intended work arenas to advance science from multiple perspectives for an enriched scientific legacy.