Diversity Study
In 2017-2018, the Palaeontological Association conducted a comprehensive Diversity Study to assess the current state of diversity within our membership and the wider palaeontological community. This groundbreaking report provides valuable insights into the demographic makeup of our field, identifies underrepresented groups, and explores factors that promote or impede diversity within the discipline. The study serves as an evidence base to inform the Association's activities, policies, and practices moving forward.
Unconscious Bias Document
Understanding and addressing unconscious bias is essential for fair decision-making in all aspects of academic and professional life. This document provides practical guidance on recognizing and mitigating unconscious bias, particularly in evaluation contexts such as funding applications, prize nominations, and hiring decisions. Adapted from Royal Society guidance, it offers concrete action points and strategies to ensure that all candidates are assessed objectively and solely on the basis of merit.
#BlackLivesMatter Statement
Following events that highlighted ongoing systemic racism, the Palaeontological Association issued this statement reaffirming our commitment to anti-racism and acknowledging the work we must do to make palaeontology truly accessible and inclusive. The statement outlines concrete steps the Association has taken and will take to increase ethnic diversity within our discipline, with particular focus on supporting Black palaeontologists and students. It also provides guidance for individual members on how they can contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive community.
Newsletter: Spotlight on Diversity
This is a series of articles written by guest authors, and published in the Palaeontological Association Newsletter, that explores diversity issues within palaeontology.
- Spotlight on Diversity: Paul Barrett (Newsletter No. 100)
- Spotlight on Diversity: Lee Hsiang Liow (Newsletter No. 101)
- Spotlight on Diversity: Catalina Pimiento (Newsletter No. 102)
- Spotlight on Diversity: Catherine Strickson (Newsletter No. 103)
- Special Report: Are we reaching gender parity among Palaeontology authors? (New…
Palaeontological Association Mentor Scheme
The Palaeontological Association mentoring scheme aims to assist members at the start of their academic careers. The scheme initially focussed on those transitioning from late-stage PhD to postdoctoral positions and from postdoctoral positions to permanent jobs but is now open to Association members at any stage of PhD study and those conducting post-doctoral research who do not have a permanent position. We hope to roll the scheme out to other transition points such as mid-career to senior leadership in the future.
Mentoring is a valuable tool, helping individuals make informed choices via the exchange of knowledge and experience. The scheme uses a direct mentoring approach, with mentors in permanent positions offering direct contact via e-mail, phone and video calls, or other forms of communication. Full guidelines on expectations, lines of communication and length of mentorship are provided. It is expected that mentors should provide open and honest advice whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times. If you are a postgraduate or postdoctoral palaeontologist and are interested in having a mentor please fill out our mentor request form and we will endeavour to partner you with a suitable mentor as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you are a palaeontologist in a permanent position who would be willing to act as a mentor please email the Vice President (vicepresident1@palass.org) for more information.
Further Reading
Social Justice in Palaeontology
At the Palaeontological Association (PalAss) Annual Meeting hosted by the University of Manchester, December 2021, Emma Dunne and Nussaïbah B. Raja hosted a virtual workshop on Social Justice in Palaeontology. They have kindly made the contents available to all. To learn more, please visit Social Justice in Palaeontology Workshop 2021.
Code of Conduct for Palaeontological Association Members
The Palaeontological Association aims to create an inclusive and diverse environment within the palaeontological community, and to protect members from harassment and discrimination. The Code of Conduct for Palaeontological Association Members, and reporting procedure, is found in the Association's ethics code.
Reporting a code of conduct violation
Anyone subject to or witnessing behaviour that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public or individual safety or a criminal act should contact local law enforcement. Those witnessing a potential criminal act should also take the actions necessary to maintain their own personal safety.
If you have been subject to or witnessed prohibited behaviour, it should be reported via this form.