Inclusive Approaches for Measuring Demographics of Underrepresented Populations in STEM and Biomedical Research...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research Training
• STEM Education Equity

Background:

• Federal initiatives increasingly emphasize diversity in the biomedical workforce.
• STEM programs aim to recruit and retain students from historically underrepresented groups.
• Traditional demographic descriptors require critical evaluation for effective data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and recommend best practices for collecting demographic data in STEM programs.
• To propose inclusive demographic categories beyond traditional measures.
• To enhance the capacity for addressing inequities in biomedical research training.

Main Methods:

• Convening equity-focused researchers and leaders in STEM programs.
• Prioritizing key demographic variables: gender, race/ethnicity, disability, and disadvantaged background.
• Developing operationalized phrasing for demographic questions.

Main Results:

• Recommended inclusion of sex minority, sexual (orientation) minority, and gender minority (SSGM) categories.
• Provided actionable recommendations for demographic question phrasing and program implementation.
• Highlighted the role of inclusive demographics in identifying marginalized groups.

Conclusions:

• Inclusive demographic measures are essential for identifying and rectifying inequities in biomedical research training.
• These measures support the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.
• Nuanced data collection facilitates research on intersectionality and promotes equitable access and outcomes for trainees.