In biology, many groups are underrepresented relative to their global populations, such as women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community (and likely many other groups that we lack data for). Beyond the negative impacts to members of these groups, this imbalance has repercussions for the field of biology, as human diversity and equality contribute to innovation. One example where this effect is particularly impactful is in the representation of scientists in biology classes, which typically highlight a low diversity of scientists, contributing to the white, straight, able-bodied cis-male scientist stereotype and damaging recruitment and retention. Research has identified the lack of relatable role models in STEM as a major factor lowering retention of under-represented groups.

Project Biodiversify is a repository of teaching materials and personal accounts submitted by biologists that are self-identified members of underrepresented groups in biology. The goal is to allow instructors of biology courses to efficiently integrate research examples that highlight a diversity of scientists, and also to present biologists as relatable people. Project Biodiversify will also provide examples on methods to successfully incorporate material into lectures or classroom activities. In this workshop, participants will develop outreach materials highlighting their own work (if they identify as being part of under-represented group in STEM) or a historic scientist from an underrepresented group (if they do not identify as being part of an underrepresented group). Materials will be uploaded to our project website and made accessible to instructors of biology worldwide.