Putting EDI at the heart of the IUSSI

News, July 2023

Mark's first newsletter since being elected Secretary General last year can be foud here.

As well as updates on the Insects Sociaux editorial team, the latest details of the upcoming International and European congresses, and of the society-produced Encyclopedia of Social Insects (Edited by archivist, Chris Starr), Mark writes about an initiative proposed by James Nieh, to expand our support for Section Members around the world:

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly obvious that scientific societies, like all other aspects of the global community, have a job to do in increasing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The IUSSI is not immune from this need, and it has been more than heartening seeing and being part of EDI developments at previous IUSSI International Congresses. Before going any further, I'd like to thank Chelsea Cook and the DEI Committee (aka 'JEDI') for all their work before and during the San Diego Congress, which played a major role in making this meeting more supportive, safe, and welcoming to all participants.

In my election speech in San Diego, I emphasised that I wanted to make significant progress in the IUSSI around EDI. Coming from a financially privileged (despite the best efforts of our politicians!), Western European country, I realise that it is much easier for me to attend national and international IUSSI meetings than it is for many of our colleagues. Consequently, I was delighted to hear James Nieh's suggestion of an IUSSI EDI Fund, specifically to enhance opportunities for our members who (i) are less privileged, (ii) come from minoritized communities, or (iii) from low and middle income countries (as defined by the world bank) to attend the International Congress of our Union, starting with Freiburg in2026.

The challenge that we face is that there are limited funds from Insectes Sociaux (our journal is the only source of funds for the central IUSSI) for sponsoring student attendance. James's suggestion incorporates a range of potential additional funds - including targeted fundraising by IUSSI Sections, a GoFundMe (or similar) Campaign, and the reinstatement of International Dues in a manner that is sensitive to differences between Sections and Individuals. Any monies raised would be held by the central IUSSI and disbursed specifically to support Congress attendance by members belonging to the groups defined above. This would, of course, be done following our best practice, and involve the Financial Subcommittee, the IUSSI President, and Section Presidents.

I will be sending your Section Presidents a more detailed version of this proposal, for them to discuss with you. I hope, and believe, that our membership will support this groundbreaking proposal, and enable our colleagues from all around the world to attend our International Congresses. We, and our science, will be richer for it!