The roundtable focused on structural barriers faced by marginalized groups in STEM, as well as how the pandemic has compounded these problems. In addition to discussing these topics, participants identified critical failure points in regard to them and suggested best practices to advance equity in science and technology moving forward. Participants emphasized the need for robust and intersectional data collection that would shed light on the impact Covid-19 has had on gender-diverse people, as well as the need to address these issues in order to build a stronger science and technology workforce that supports everyone.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to share policy-actionable research with Eric Landers, science advisor to the President; and Alondra Nelson, deputy director for science and society.” Sugimoto said. “The pandemic has made manifest several disparities in the scientific workforce, and it is clear that the White House is dedicated to addressing these issues.”