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Cultivating the Pride in Microbiology Network
Nicholas M di Cologna1, Katie L Barnes2, Landon J Getz3
1Biological Sciences Department, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
Trends in Microbiology
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Rising hostility against 2SLGBTQIA+ scientists creates exclusion. The Pride in Microbiology Network offers strategies for building safe, decentralized support systems to improve retention and leadership for queer and trans scientists in STEM.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Science Policy
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
Background:
- Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hostility is increasing, leading to exclusion in scientific fields.
- Queer and Trans scientists often face isolation and systemic barriers, impacting career retention.
- Lack of inclusive support structures hinders the progress of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the crisis of exclusion faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ scientists.
- To share strategies for establishing safe, decentralized networks for queer and trans scientists.
- To advocate for resilient scientific ecosystems that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of the Pride in Microbiology Network in 2023.
- Development of strategies for building inclusive, decentralized networks.
- Analysis of systemic barriers impacting 2SLGBTQIA+ scientists' retention.
Main Results:
- The Pride in Microbiology Network was created to foster community and support.
- Strategies for decentralized network building beyond institutional/geographic limits were shared.
- The importance of diversity, inclusion, and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ scientists was highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Resilient scientific ecosystems are fundamentally dependent on diversity and inclusion.
- Support structures are crucial for enabling 2SLGBTQIA+ scientists to remain, connect, and lead.
- Decentralized networks offer a viable model for supporting marginalized scientists.
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