‘Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords’

At Utrecht University, diversity and inclusion in the workplace are important themes. According to Federica Russo, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Techno-Science, these values need to be further integrated into academic practice. In her inaugural lecture on 4 December, she argued for making diversity and inclusion an integral part of the way we conduct research.

Utrecht University has designated equality, diversity, and inclusion as a central focus for education, research, and impact. This means striving to create a space where everyone feels at home and has equal opportunities to develop, regardless of age, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious background.

Discussions about diversity and inclusion often take this ethico-political approach, says Federica Russo, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Techno-Science. “We look at diversity and inclusion in a social context, such as creating a safe and inclusive work environment. But if we truly want to be a diverse and inclusive academic community, these values must also become part of what we do in our research.”

Diversity and inclusion enrich science and make it more relevant

Russo examines how technology and science influence our knowledge, society, and policymaking. She addresses the ethical questions that arise in this context, including those concerning diversity and inclusion. “I don’t see diversity and inclusion as buzzwords but as epistemic values—principles that define what reliable and valuable science is. Diversity and inclusion enrich science and make it more relevant, e.g., by giving a platform to perspectives and ideas that are often overlooked, by reducing bias, and by making knowledge more representative of different communities.”

Growing awareness

According to Russo, awareness of the need for diversity and inclusion in academia is growing, but there is still plenty to improve. She cites the example of bio-curators, scientists who collect, analyse, manage, and optimise large volumes of biological data. “Bio-curators are essential to health research, but their contributions still go unrecognised at times. For instance, they are often not mentioned in scientific publications, which means they do not receive the same academic recognition or career opportunities that other scientists do.”

In her lecture, Russo provided several examples of how she tries to apply these values in her own work. For instance, for many years, she has been organising conferences where the diversity of speakers is explicitly considered, and where junior academics are given the opportunity to present their work in a safe and collegial environment. “In addition, I served as editor for a major scientific journal in my field. In this role, I ensured that the editorial board included people of different ages and backgrounds. We also made space for contributions that fell outside the dominant Anglo-Saxon tradition in philosophy of science. Moreover, together with my colleague Phyllis Illari, I worked on inclusive editing, rewriting feedback when it was unnecessarily harsh or patronising, without changing the content. This ensured that feedback was constructive and respectful, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.”

The Westerdijk-Chair

In addition to her position as professor at the Freudenthal Institute, Russo holds the Westerdijk Chair, a position specifically established for a female professor. This role provides her with the ideal platform to amplify her message. “What I say in my inaugural lecture has been the hallmark of my academic activities for a long time, and now I am empowered to make this argument in the open. I am grateful that Utrecht University and the Freudenthal Institute have given me the opportunity to change the broader culture of academia.”