The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) articulates its commitment to social responsibility and opportunities for all members through multiple structural and programmatic actions. SICB’s Code of Conduct states that it is committed to equal opportunity and treatment for all participants regardless of their background, and establishes mechanisms to address harassment and discrimination at its annual meetings.
Within its recently approved strategic plan and across the organization, SICB is deeply committed to building and supporting the next generation of scientific leaders, with a particular focus on early career scientists from all backgrounds and disciplines. This commitment includes awards and recognitions for academic excellence and leadership, and long-standing dedicated committees such as SICB’s Broadening Participation and Student and Postdoctoral Affairs committees. The Broadening Participation committee increases opportunity and belonging at SICB and in integrative biology for scientists of all backgrounds and career stages through travel awards, workshops, mentoring, and social events at the conference. SICB’s Student and Postdoctoral Affairs Committee likewise provides focused support and mentoring to early career SICB members.
In support of these goals, SICB recently awarded and implemented a grant through the NSF BIO-LEAPS program aimed at boosting leadership and belonging across the society. The initiative trained members of SICB leadership in fostering these principles and ideals, and is the first stage of a multiyear initiative to strengthen SICB by recruiting more talented scientists to SICB and by strengthening the connection that SICB members feel with SICB.
