Today, we’re launching our vision for a great science culture. The vision builds on in-depth engagement with the chemical sciences community and sets the direction for changes that can benefit everyone across the chemical sciences community.
Our vision is ambitious but achievable and we believe it will foster an improved environment that prioritises good scientific practice and individual wellbeing, as well as heightening participation in science and innovation. The chemical sciences community has helped us to identify what a great science culture would look like, and we have built our vision with their voices in mind. We are ready to set out a common direction and are sharing alongside the vision a set of resources to enable every chemist to contribute.
Realising this vision will take a collective effort and time and will not be without its challenges. The Royal Society of Chemistry, however, is committed to playing an active role to help the chemical sciences community realise its potential to improve science culture and make the world a better place.
The foundations and qualities of great science culture
Our vision for a great science culture spans both the quality of the science and the treatment of everyone involved.
There are three foundations:
- Scientific practice
- Participation in science
- Wellbeing and development
Spanning these three foundations are five qualities of a great science culture:
- Rigorous
- Safe and supportive
- Ethical and responsible
- Open and collaborative
- Accessible and inclusive
Finally, recognition plays a critical role by incentivising behaviours that align with and foster a positive science culture.
Much of our ongoing work, such as our inclusion, diversity and accessibility work, our sustainable laboratories report, and our open access commitment, align with and help to advance our vision for a great science culture.
The next item on this agenda is a new Disability in the chemical sciences report, coming soon.
And we have even more exciting and ambitious initiatives coming in each of these areas, all working towards this common direction.
