Developing cultural humility in immunology and STEMM mentoring

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM)

Background:

• Persons excluded because of their ethnicity or race (PEERs) face unique challenges within STEMM fields.
• Understanding and appreciating diverse individuals is crucial for scientific advancement and collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the specific difficulties encountered by PEERs in immunology and broader STEMM disciplines.
• To highlight the critical role of cultural humility in fostering inclusive research and academic environments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on diversity and inclusion in STEMM.
• Analysis of the impact of cultural biases on the experiences of PEERs.
• Discussion of practical applications of cultural humility in scientific research and academia.

Main Results:

• PEERs experience systemic barriers and microaggressions within STEMM, impacting their participation and retention.
• Cultural humility promotes empathy, reduces bias, and enhances collaborative scientific endeavors.
• Implementing cultural humility strategies can create more equitable and productive research settings.

Conclusions:

• Cultural humility is essential for addressing inequities faced by PEERs in STEMM.
• Adopting culturally humble practices is vital for the progress and integrity of scientific research and academia.
• Fostering an inclusive environment through cultural humility benefits all individuals in STEMM fields.