Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

The PCST Network is dedicated to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in science communication research and practice.

Our commitment to EDI is reflected in our organisational structure, membership fee scheme, and programming.

EDI in our organisational structure

We ensure that broad representation of lived experiences and perspectives is core to the structure of the PCST Network’s Scientific Committee.

The committee, who are elected by members of the PCST Network at the bi-annual PCST Conference, comprises of 28 individuals from 19 countries: 8 members from the Americas and Africa, 8 from Europe, 8 from Asia, Australasia and other parts of the world, and 4 from any geographical area, but who are under the age of thirty-five.

Find out more about the Scientific Committee

EDI in membership

To support equitable participation in the PCST network, membership fees are reduced, depending on members’ geographic location and professional status. Fees are more than halved for people living outside of  the world’s 45 richest countries. In addition, students only pay half the membership fee.

See our membership fees

EDI in programming

At the PCST 2020+1 virtual conference organised by Aberdeen, the PCST Network introduced two new initiatives focused on supporting EDI in science communication. Both initiatives will stay in place for future conferences:

  1. EDI-focused presentation stream and a pay-it-forward conference fee scheme.
  2. PCST grants and bursaries to conference attendees in need.

Find out more about our upcoming conference

Beyond the biannual conference, the PCST Network also regularly hosts webinars and events, many of which focus on EDI in science communication and practice.

Find out more about our webinars

Stimulating EDI at future PCST events

In December 2021, in a preparation for the PCST 2023 conference, members of the PCST Scientific Committee carried out a survey to find out how to stimulate EDI at PCST conferences.

Read the report with the main outcomes.

The main outcomes indicated that:

  1. Gaining knowledge is an important aim for joining the PCST Network
  2. A main need is connected to financial support (mainly reduction of travel costs)
  3. Online conferences must waive conference fees where they can and align with a number of time zones

These results have informed the organisation of the PCST 2023 conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Become a member

We invite people from round the world to our join our science communication network. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional, you are welcome.

Find out more and join us

Join the discussion

The discussion list is free for everyone to join and has an international audience of over 2000 subscribers.

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