ICRS Equity and Diversity Committee
The International Coral Reef Society is committed to fostering a coral reef science community that is inclusive, equitable, respectful, and representative of the diversity of people connected to coral reefs around the world. ICRS recognises that scientific and conservation excellence is strengthened by a diversity of perspectives, experiences, cultures, career stages, and ways of knowing. Coral reef science and conservation are global endeavours that rely on meaningful participation, collaboration, and leadership across geographic regions, genders, cultures, languages, identities, and disciplines.
The Equity and Diversity Committee (EDI) works to provide support for equitable access to opportunities within the Society. This includes promoting safe and inclusive participation in conferences, and advocating for diversity and representation in publications, leadership, mentorship, networking, awards, and professional development. We also aim to identify and address structural and cultural barriers that limit participation and belonging in coral reef science.
Our goals include:
- Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging across all Society activities;
- Supporting early-career researchers and underrepresented groups in coral reef science as requested;
- Encouraging respectful, safe, and inclusive professional environments;
- Amplifying diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences;
- Fostering global participation and collaboration across regions and communities connected to coral reefs.
Ultimately ICRS aims to build a coral reef science community where all members can contribute, lead, and thrive. As such the EDI committee welcomes engagement and collaboration from Society members and partners who share a commitment to creating an inclusive future for coral reef science and conservation.
ICRS EDI Focus Areas
Inclusion and Belonging. Supporting welcoming and respectful professional environments across Society activities, conferences, and collaborations. Please refer to our diversity statement.
Equity of Opportunity. Advocating for equitable access to leadership, mentorship, awards networking, and professional development opportunities. Please refer to our Awards and Membership support.
Diverse Representation. Encouraging participation and visibility across geographic regions, cultures, genders, career stages, disciplines, and lived experiences. We encourage and invite the formation of new chapters within ICRS for gathering and representation of groups and regions otherwise not represented. We can offer support and assistance in the formation of new chapters. Please see the Committees and Chapters page.
Community Support. Supporting pathways for connection, mentorship, and dialogue within the global coral reef community. Please refer to our Mentorship and Belonging Chapter
Accessibility. Promoting accessible participation in meetings, communications, and Society initiatives.
The role of the EDI committee is to provide support and assistance to ICRS membership in matters relating to EDI within ICRS. The ICRS Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee currently includes ICRS Vice President A/Professor Tracy Ainsworth (Mental Health First Aid certified), Treasurer Professor John Burt, and Professor James Reimer, and welcome councillors interested in contributing.
Please Get Involved in ICRS EDI
We welcome collaboration, ideas, and participation from Society members and the broader coral reef community.
Whether you are an early-career researcher, student, practitioner, educator, or established leader in the field, your voice and experience are valued by ICRS and valuable in helping and sustain an inclusive coral reef science community.
For enquiries, collaborations, or feedback, please contact the Equity and Diversity Committee chair Tracy Ainsworth.
