NSF’s strategic plan prioritizes improving US capacity in data science through implementation of “mechanisms to support the training and workforce development of future data scientists.” In addition, growth in large ecological datasets and large environmental synthesis projects has resulted in the need for a diverse workforce with technical data science skills. A variety of organizations support underrepresented groups entering the environmental data science field through training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. However, many of these initiatives have been developed in isolation, limiting opportunities for an exchange of ideas and lessons learned. Bringing Conversations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Data Science to the Environmental Sciences will be an NSF INCLUDES conference to develop a networked improvement community (Environmental Data Science Inclusion Network; EDSIN) that strengthens initiatives across existing alliances and organizations through collective action. Working towards inclusion in the data sciences is a primary goal of the conference which will bring together individuals with diverse perspectives to begin discussions on how to ensure the field reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. This is especially important within the data sciences where analyses of big ecological datasets and policies driven by those analyses may have profound environmental and societal implications.
Results/Conclusions
Conference attendees will comprise academic, training, and business partners that currently offer training and career opportunities in the data sciences and project leaders conducting research on best practices for recruitment and retention of currently underrepresented groups in this and related fields. Attendees will also include employers who have an interest in building and maintaining an inclusive workplace and individuals with experience in mentoring interns and early career professionals in research and technical positions. Through a series of conference presentations, panels, and discussion sessions, attendees will develop specific recommendations to the INCLUDES program for filling the gaps in our understanding of the multiple career pathways of underrepresented groups in data-intensive ecological and environmental data science careers and a strategy for continued development and expansion of the EDSIN network.