Petition to Create a New ESA Section for Women and Gender Minorities in Science

The global scientific landscape still grapples with the severe underrepresentation and marginalization of women and gender minorities. Worldwide, only 33% of scientists are women, and the presence of other gender minorities is even scarcer. This underrepresentation not only robs us of the immense talent and potential inherent in every individual but also deprives society of fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and groundbreaking discoveries. This disparity also poses substantial challenges for women and gender minorities, particularly in ecology and science, where they often struggle to find role models, secure support, or foster connections with peers.

Toward this aim, we, the undersigned, support creating a section dedicated to supporting women and gender minorities, different disciplinary backgrounds and career stages within ecology and science, and the ESA’s membership.

The benefits of this section include:

Encourage opportunities and establish a network of women and other gender minorities for collaboration and support
Highlight women and gender minority role models within varying fields of science
Dues money for projects, webinars, and grants to benefit members of the section
Enhance current efforts for community building like creating and maintaining a space for ongoing communication, support, and resource sharing within the ESA

All ESA members who support these goals are encouraged to sign this petition; it does not obligate one to join the section if approved by the ESA Council.

News

April research news from the Ecological Society of America

Deer reduce fire hazards in oak woodlands, predicting climate change impacts on cold-blooded organisms, managing post-fire landscapes and more in the Ecological Society of America’s journals.

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Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience

Researchers have teamed up with an Indigenous group to create a novel model that showcases Indigenous fire stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem health.

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Ants in Colorado are on the move due to climate change

Ant species living in Boulder’s foothills have shifted their habitat over the last six decades, potentially affecting local ecosystems, suggests a new CU Boulder study.

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Scientists assess paths toward maintaining BC caribou until habitat recovers

Reforestation requires decades to support southern mountain caribou, new research shows.

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Annual Meeting

Mark your Calendar!

This year’s meeting will emphasize the society’s mission of supporting ecologists throughout their careers. The emphasis recognizes the need for us to continually invest in all the people who advance the science and practice of ecology. Among many aspects of professional development, we are planning programming and invite contributions that consider the transformational potential of effective mentorship.

Learn More & Register

Journals & Publications

Ecology

Adult female elk (Cervus canadensis) in northeastern Washington, USA, balance shifting risks from cougars, wolves, and humans by altering habitat preferences according to the time of day. In their study published in the April issue of Ecology, Ganz et al. found that humans caused most adult female elk deaths through hunting and vehicle collisions, and elk prioritized avoiding humans over wolves and cougars in the daytime, when humans are most active. At night, elk primarily avoided cougars and wolves (when these carnivores primarily hunt) and preferred areas near human activities, which reduced exposure to the threat of wolf predation.

Petition to Create a New ESA Section for Women and Gender Minorities in Science

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