India@75, Looking at 100: Equity in science is about unleashing untapped potential

Let us stop to understand what equity really means. Is it the same as equality? No, they are not the same. Equality aims to provide identical treatment and opportunities to everyone. Equity, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring that everyone has the resources and support that they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point or circumstances. Equality is about opportunity and access. Equity is about outcome. Equity is critical for diversity of ideas in any society. An equitable living room, classroom, workplace or board room is a place where everyone has a chance to progress, succeed and feel like they belong.

In the wake of the global pandemic, the importance of scientific progress and innovation has never been more evident. Science was seen to have the power to change the world — from healthcare and technology to policy and environment. Access to information, vaccines, drugs, infrastructure saw a critical need and push for equity in science. It was clear that equity in science should ideally ensure that scientific research and development benefits every person in the world, regardless of their social, economic, or geographic backgrounds. This creates a unique challenge for a country like India, due to the prevalent socioeconomic inequality, gender inequality, education system disparities, lack of research funding and underrepresentation of certain groups.

One glaring example is the lack of research funding, a product of systemic inequalities that creates inequality in science. It not only limits access to education and opportunities at one level but also results in unequal distribution and diminished scientific output at another. Funding inequity can compound over time and perpetuate a cycle of exclusion and increasing inequality within the scientific community. Lack of research funding can be seen to impact individuals and groups differently based on their multiple and intersecting identities. To improve equity, in addition to increasing funding and fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government, there is a need to reform funding processes. A sustained, collective effort from all stakeholders to advocate for change at all levels from individual institutions to national and international bodies could help create a more equitable and inclusive scientific community that benefits everyone.

Socio-economic equality is critical to promoting equity in science. Socio-economic status often determines access to quality education and creates barriers to entering and advancing in science-related careers. Understanding the intersectional nature of socio-economic status is critical to addressing the root causes of poverty and economic inequality.

While there is a lot of discussion around equity in science education, research and employment, less attention has been paid to equity in the scientific publishing process. Publishing articles in peer reviewed journals is critical to the success of a scientist. It is important to examine how factors like language barriers or institutional affiliations impact scientists’ ability to publish.

Gender inequality, a point of significant discussion in recent years, can be addressed through the lens of intersectionality. Intersectionality recognises that people hold multiple social identities that intersect and interact with each other. Equal affirmative action is a short-term reprieve, and long-term solutions are desperately needed.

Gender inequity is shaped by not only social norms and cultural practices but also by economic and political power structures that perpetuate it. In India much of this is also rooted in caste-based discrimination and the historical legacy of colonialism. Approaches that promote gender-sensitive education and employment policies, challenge patriarchal norms and practices, and address systemic inequalities based on caste, class, and religion are critical to equitable outcomes. Despite huge progress made, women and other marginalised groups continue to face significant barriers to entering and advancing in scientific fields. Exploring how intersectionality impacts equity in science, and how different groups may experience unique challenges, could be an important area of inquiry that would lead to solutions specific to our nation.

Science is undoubtedly among the greatest accomplishments of humanity, but, unfortunately, its history is marked by a legacy of inequity. It is important to acknowledge that science has a complex history of exclusion and discrimination. Examining this history and its impact on contemporary equity issues could give us important insights. National perspective on how our cultural and political context impacts equity in science is critical since much of the literature on equity in science comes from a Western perspective. Equity is complex. Research is critical to provide effective and novel interventions and shape policies for promoting equity.

Equity in science is thus not just about fairness, it’s about unleashing untapped potential. As India moves towards 100 years as an independent nation, let’s embrace diversity, break down barriers for a brave new world and pave the way for a sustainable future.

The writer is senior principal scientist, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. Views are personal. This article is part of an ongoing series, which began on August 15, by women who have made a mark, across sectors