INCLUSIVITY

Introduction

In our quest for knowledge through iGEM, we discovered a profound truth; that there exists a reservoir of passionate minds whose access to science is more or less, limited. To enhance inclusivity, we prioritized outreach to the underrepresented groups, acknowledging historical disparities. Our efforts focused on individuals with disabilities, targeting behavioral,sensory impaired, physical and developmental ones, aiming to offer equal opportunities. In this context, we addressed-among others,the challenges faced by blind individuals, aiming to break down barriers in a field heavily reliant on visual information. Furthermore, we strived to make science accessible to the deaf, even if our effort did not bear the fruit we craved. Finally, we stood by women and LGBTQ+ individuals, who have faced historical marginalization in STEM and workplaces, respectively. For science, we declare, knows no boundaries, bias or discrimination.

Based on existing data in regards to the aforementioned groups alongside our research , we conducted the following actions :

Visit at the Special Education Gymnasium of Heraklion Crete

Our visit to a junior high school catering to adolescents with disabilities was marked by a connection rooted in simplicity and respect. Starting with a friendly icebreaker, each student shared their name and a beloved hobby, revealing a shared affinity for nature that strongly resonated with our mission. As we fueled discussions about environmental challenges, the olive tree and the prevalence of pesticides came up as significant topics, intimately linked to their family experiences due to the prominence of agriculture in Crete. The students engaged eagerly, but it was a young girl bravely navigating a mental disability who truly left a lasting impression. With determination, she expressed her ambition to become an agronomist, sparking a dynamic conversation about the multitude of careers awaiting them.

However, when we transitioned to the subject of careers in science, a subtle shift in energy was observed. The once vibrant engagement during our scientific presentation now gave way to a nuanced hesitancy. This transformation led us into a thoughtful dialogue on career paths, where some initially reserved students surprised us with their familiarity with environmental terminology. This newfound knowledge stemmed from their upcoming participation in an international competition focused on organic farming, mirroring our own journey in iGEM. Still, there was a sense of unsure potential waiting to be realized. Why? Because society has not fully embraced their rightful place in the realm of science. Touched by this revelation, we were compelled to offer a gesture of encouragement—our handcrafted children's book—as a tangible manifestation of our belief in their potential.

Experiment Activity at “Rodavgi” Association, designed for adults with mental disabilities

The realization dawned upon us at the special needs gymnasium: society, unintentionally perhaps, often hinders rather than encourages the involvement of individuals with special needs in science. As young scientists and iGEMers, this realization ignited a sense of responsibility within us. We recognized our duty to contribute to a more inclusive world. This conviction led us to connect with Rodavgi Association of Parents, Guardians and Friends of Individuals with mental disabilities. Together, we organized an "Take part in our lab!" experiment activity. To make science truly inclusive, we decided to begin with our very own project, DeltaSense.

DeltaSense, designed for detecting deltamethrin in water samples, inspired us to devise a protocol for extracting water samples from the soil near the roots of olive trees in the field surrounding the Association. This fortunate circumstance allowed us to bring lab resources like gloves, tubes, Petri dishes and parchment paper directly to the Association's premises. There, adults with disabilities had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a scientist. They actively contributed to our project and gained valuable insights into the issue of pest overuse, becoming an integral part of its solution. This experience reinforced our belief that science has the power to break barriers and create opportunities for everyone.

Another fortunate surprise for us was the interest Mrs. Moraiti Maria, Executive Director of the "Rodavgi" Association, expressed, in collaborating on an accessible version of our children's book for individuals with disabilities. This version of our book employs the "Easy-to-Read" method, simplifying content for easy comprehension. This method ensures information is easily located, read, and understood, featuring a clear and logical structure, concise sentences, and ample spacing. Additionally, accessible information is a fundamental human right, emphasized by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It should be easy to find, read, and understand, with clear presentation and easily decodable font. This facilitates participation in society for all.

Encounter with Blind Association of Crete : Science and its “Visible Boundaries”

Our encounter with the Regional Union of the Blind in Heraklion profoundly impacted us. Two inspiring blind students, Konstantinos and Giorgos, shared their challenges in pursuing careers in biology or medicine due to limitations in laboratory accessibility. Although both of them expressed interest in more applied sciences, and the fact that we are a research team of undergraduate biologists excited them, they admitted that they had stopped fantasizing about themselves in the space of a laboratory very early on. They specifically mentioned the restrictive example of a microscope, with which it would be impossible for them to process an image, unless there was an application that audibly explained the visual material. All of this, combined with the environment that initially directed them towards the humanities, shattered the dream of biology or medicine within them and placed them in the field of social work. This conversation motivated us to take action.

In our quest to create a more inclusive scientific environment, we took inspiration from an open-source 3D print design template available online (available under: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2769349). Building upon this template, we designed a 3D printed tube holder with integrated Braille numbers, adhering to the strict standards governing Braille height, size, and distance. This way, we ensured accessibility for visually impaired individuals, aiming to empower the blind community in scientific experiments.

Additionally, we transformed our synthetic biology booklet into an audiobook , broadening accessibility to science, as we strive to break down barriers for visually impaired individuals in the field.

Our Vision to Include the Deaf Community and the Unexpected Obstacle

Among our earnest interest to make individuals of various disability backgrounds feel even slightly included in the field of science, we conceived a project to reach out to the deaf community. Our plan involved learning and sharing ten fundamental project-related terms in sign language, presenting them in the form of GIFs on our wiki page. This innovative approach was envisioned to create a bridge of connection, allowing deaf individuals to feel a genuine part of our scientific community and inform themselves about DeltaSense in a most intimate way.

Yet, as we delved deeper into this venture, an unexpected challenge emerged. Greek legislation, keen on safeguarding the rights of certified interpreters, introduced an unforeseen requirement. It mandated the involvement of certified interpreters in any content of this nature. This revelation brought a temporary halt to our original plan, leaving us with a mix of determination and understanding. Although our initial vision faced an unforeseen hurdle, our commitment to fostering inclusivity in science persists. We're now exploring alternative approaches, seeking to find new avenues to be connected with this community.

Approaching the LGBTQ+ Community through Statistical and Social Engagement

As young scientists, we're committed to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in STEM, viewing it as both a human right and a source of innovation. Our diverse team, which also includes LGBTQ+ members, inspired a survey focused on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in STEM. By learning from LGBTQ+ professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, we aim to understand their unique challenges and opportunities, removing them from the margin they historically face in their workplace. Consequently, this survey contributes to building a more equitable and welcoming environment within the STEM community for colorful voices.

The survey on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in STEM revealed that while nearly half of respondents felt comfortable expressing themselves at work, a significant portion acknowledged the presence of barriers. Many expressed that their sexuality influenced their comfort levels in social work environments and hindered their access to opportunities. These findings underscore the pressing need to break down these barriers and create more inclusive environments. The survey encompassed a diverse population, with 68.9% of respondents in the field of biology and others in biomedical, research, or laboratory settings, providing a comprehensive perspective on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in various STEM fields.

The data was collected using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, with scores 0 to 3 indicating negative responses (NO) and scores 4 to 5 indicating positive responses (YES). Our sample encompassed individuals from diverse geographical and social backgrounds, with 68.9% representing the field of biology, while the remainder were engaged in biomedical, research, or laboratory settings. This effort underscores our dedication to dismantling barriers that impede LGBTQ+ individuals from fully participating in the scientific community, and to recognizing and celebrating their significant contributions to the field.

The graphs below portray the results of the survey.

Do you feel safe to express yourself in your workplace?

Do all employees in your workplace receive fair treatment regardless of their sexuality?

Do you feel comfortable to share your sexuality with other employees?

Do you feel that your workplace is supportive of your sexuality?

Do you feel discriminated against in your workplace because of your sexuality?

Do you feel that your sexuality poses a barrier for you to feel included in the social environment of your workplace?

Do you feel that your sexuality poses a barrier for you to receive equal opportunities in your workplace?

Through our sensitive and respectful approach, we discovered that an individual's sexual orientation significantly influences their professional opportunities and social interactions in the workplace. Participants appreciated the thoughtful classification scale, which effectively quantified their experiences. The survey acted as a catalyst for personal growth, sparking positive change. Now, this valuable data is accessible on our social media platforms, serving as a resource for others to implement in their own practices. We've also shared these statistics widely, aiming to raise awareness and challenge conservative attitudes in the scientific community. Our dedication lies in driving meaningful progress towards inclusivity in the contemporary scientific landscape.

Celebrating Women’s Day and Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Our team, mostly comprising women, is deeply concerned about the persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. This gender gap not only perpetuates inequality but also hinders scientific progress by missing out on valuable perspectives and talents. We're committed to promoting women's participation and success in STEM, believing that diversity in this field is crucial for societal advancement. On Women's Day, we highlighted the importance of female representation through an empowering photoshoot, in the woman’s colours.

The final inclusivity action we came up with is actually leveraged through the sole scanning of our Inclusivity page. Here, we will provide insight on the reasoning of those colours, so that women feel embraced and acknowledged for their existence, and naturally incentivized to be as feminine as they wish. Historically, in Western societies, certain colors have indeed been commonly associated with femininity. Pink, often linked with qualities like tenderness and compassion, has traditionally been considered a feminine color. Purple, once associated with royalty and nobility, has been adopted in the context of women's rights to symbolize dignity, equality, and justice. Additionally, white, representing purity and innocence, played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement, signifying the fight for equality.

Our dedication to this cause is evident in the fact that both of our principal investigators are exceptional women, showcasing our commitment to fostering female leadership in the scientific community. We also pay homage to influential women like Rosalind Franklin, hoping to inspire future generations in STEM. Our team stands united in championing the significant contributions of women in this transformative journey of advancing science and technology.