This theme session brings together researchers and practitioners working on aspects of DEI, including gender equality in the marine, maritime, or ocean space to share experiences on methods, implementation, as well as development, and/or accreditation. The session showcases advances in practices aimed at enhancing DEI and will create synergies at the international level and across sectors. By sharing good practices, we will highlight future directions, needs and pathways for DEI in marine sciences.
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has brought into focus the need for an equitable science system to realize the sustainable development goals laid out in Agenda 2030, especially Goal 5 – gender equality and Goal 14 Life below water.
We have identified three topics which will be addressed during this theme session:
- recent developments in marine and ocean science addressing issues of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, including analysis, monitoring, and good practices for fostering more inclusive working environments
- sharing of experiences which highlight current DEI issues within the marine science community, as well as solutions and pathways to a more just future
- identifying, recognizing, and overcoming biases in marine science studies with a particular focus on the effects of positionality, diversity, and underrepresentation within research teams
Importantly, this theme session is using a bottom-up approach in addressing DEI issues by providing an opportunity for individuals and groups within the community to share their lived experiences and in-depth insights and solutions to help drive DEI efforts within ICES community.
