Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Statement

IBANGS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:

** Preface Notes (not included in the actual document): 

• This document was largely drafted by Hayely Thorpe and discussed among the IBANGS DEI Committee (membership includes Jeffrey Glennon (Chair), Silvana Chiavegatto (ALBA representative), Alex Keene, Chao Guo, Annie Park, Hayley Thorpe)

• Our current IBANGS DEI statement on the website reads as follows:

“IBANGS is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and safe society. We value diversity and inclusion across identity groups and professional levels. Identity groups include and are not limited to age, appearance, disability, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), geographic location, nationality, professional level, race, religion, and sexual orientation. We are continually examining ways in which we can strengthen our current and future commitment to equity and inclusion, and to plan for the future accordingly.”
ALBA Declaration

Proposed Updated Statement:

IBANGS Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

IBANGS is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and safe society. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion across identity groups and professional levels. Identity groups include but are not limited to age, appearance, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, geographic location, nationality, professional level, race, religion, economic status, and sexual orientation. We are continually examining ways in which we can strengthen our current and future commitment to equity and inclusion, and to plan for the future accordingly.

IBANGS developed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) stance aligned with its Code of Conduct and recommendations by the ALBA Network, an international network of researchers committed to the promotion and advancement of DEI in neuroscience. IBANGS adheres to the ALBA Declaration on Equity and Inclusion. Consistent with this declaration, IBANGS recognizes that all humans hold biases that must be overcome to promote fair science. These biases manifest at individual, institutional, and societal levels, actively hinder scientific productivity, and inflict lasting harm on underrepresented groups and individuals of minority status. By aligning with the ALBA Network, IBANGS commits itself to:

1. Promote Diversity in Its Membership and Affiliates.

2. Engage in Equitable Practices.

3. Foster an Inclusive, Safe Environment.

4. Assess Roads to Improvement, Adapt to the Changing DEI Landscape, and Advocate for its Members.

IBANGS Commits Itself to Ethics in Neuroscience and Genetics Research:

Given its position at the nexus of neuroscience and genetics research, IBANGS bears a unique ethical responsibility to the scientific community and the public. Our members abide by the principle that scientific research should be conducted with the utmost respect for human dignity and diversity of life, and are dedicated to fostering research that is inclusive, responsible, and beneficial for all aspects of society. Correspondingly, we believe that scientific research should not be misused to marginalize or discriminate against any group, and oppose any application of research that undermines ethical standards or promotes inequality. We are also committed to helping our members embody these standards, and no IBANGS-affiliated event will endorse or support research practices that deviate from these values.

Should you have any questions about this policy, or wish to discuss content features at an IBANGS event that you believe is of concern, we encourage you to reach out at [email protected].