A framework for action in scientific publishing
Improving inclusion and diversity in the chemical sciences
As a key publisher of chemical sciences research, we value all members of our community and know that quality research can come from anywhere, and from anyone.
However, our recent work has highlighted how systemic or individual biases can creep in at any point of the publishing process. And this issue, which is not unique to the chemical sciences, particularly affects talented scientists from under-represented groups.
On this page
Our report
This report is our action plan to make sure that no scientist publishing with us is left behind. It fulfils one of the commitments made in our 2019 report Is publishing in the chemical sciences gender biased? – but our campaign to change research culture is far from over.
What is the framework for action?
In November 2019 we published our report “Is publishing in the chemical sciences gender biased?”
The report was based on a peer-reviewed paper in which authors had analysed more than 700,000 manuscript submissions and 141,000 citations to RSC journals, as part of our commitment to understand where issues may exist with gender bias in our publishing.
It concluded: “Biases exist at each step of the publishing profile. Many of these appear minor in isolation, yet their combined effect puts women at a significant disadvantage.
“Only by recognising the biases introduced at decision points by authors, reviewers, editors and publishers, can we act to reduce them.”
This framework for action is the result of us investigating such decision points. It is a practical “go to” reference guide which maps out methods we intend to use to achieve change, and how targeted progression in inclusion and diversity can be quantified.
This framework maps out the steps we will be taking to minimise bias from our entire suite of journals. We are sharing it so that other publishers can join us in making scholarly publishing more inclusive and diverse.
Emma Wilson, Director of Publishing, Royal Society of Chemistry
How we will be using our framework
We are working with our editorial boards and staff to implement actions detailed in the framework. We are also sharing the document with other publishers to help accelerate a culture change in research publishing.
When considering how best to structure our activities on a journal-by-journal basis, we recognise that strong foundations must first be laid to achieve lasting impact. Therefore, our framework has two parts: Building the Foundations and Opportunities for Action.
Each part has four sections, outlined in full below, which focus on specific topics such as “Establishing leadership” or “Setting standards”. Several actions are then suggested within each topic, which can be used to provide a general understanding of performance, and enable identification and prioritisation of actions.
The report highlights that it is not necessary to undertake all actions one after the other – but the more robust the foundations, the more likely the success of any specific intervention.
Building the foundations
- Making the case. Taking the steps in this section will help make a targeted case for action.
- Establishing leadership. The steps here ensure the commitment of senior leaders to change is clear to authors, reviewers and editors.
- Defining the problem. This section helps the user to define what issues are being faced, and identify priorities for action.
- Establishing accountability. How to clarify responsibility and accountability for inclusion and diversity in scientific publishing
Opportunities for action
- Increasing diversity. Address discrepancies in article acceptance likelihood by focussing on increasing of author, reviewer and editor diversity.
- Addressing bias. Action is outlined to mitigate both the risk and the impact of bias in decision-making.
- Changing processes. Alternative processes are identified to mitigate bias from long-established processes in scientific publishing.
- Setting standards. Setting standards for an inclusive culture contributes to increasing the diversity of voices within scientific publishing.
Help us share the framework
Click below to download ready-made social media slides to use on different platforms.