UC Berkeley

Diverse representation and inclusion are stated priorities for scientific institutions and professional societies, including the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER). Prior studies have reported persistent underrepresentation and exclusion of marginalized groups across the sciences. We conducted a representation and inclusion survey among SER affiliates in 2021, following up on a similar 2018 survey. In 2021, we observed broad representation from diverse groups across multiple dimensions. However, across both surveys we found persistent underrepresentation of several marginalized groups, including Black or African American and Hispanic/Latinx people. Some groups reported feeling excluded in both the 2018 and 2021 surveys, and there was disproportionately high representation from a subset of higher-ranked US academic institutions. For several indicators of inclusion, perceptions of inclusion were more positive among White respondents compared to other respondents. Opportunities to work towards achieving SER’s diversity and inclusion aims include increasing outreach to epidemiology trainees and Minority Serving Institutions, addressing cultural and financial barriers to participation, and improving access for epidemiologists with disabilities. Iterative follow-up work with diversity and inclusion scholars could improve our understanding of barriers to diversity and inclusion within SER and, more broadly, the field of epidemiology.