Contributions of Women and Creating a Culture of Inclusivity at the North American Society for Bat Research

Abstract

The North American Society for Bat Research (NASBR) began in 1970 at a turning point in history for women’s rights. Participation by women in NASBR has risen steadily over the society’s history, reflecting societal shifts of reducing barriers to advancement and achievement by women in science. Gender parity has been achieved in all forms of presentation type at NASBR (general and student oral presentation and poster sessions). The 50% milestone of women participants in the general oral presentations and as session chairs was only reached in 2015, whereas women have represented the majority of participants in student sessions since the 1990s. The current culture of inclusivity and support for gender and racial diversity in the NASBR society is viewed as generally positive based on a survey of NASBR affiliates. The current Society and annual NASBR meeting have made visible efforts to offer opportunities for raising awareness and discussion around diversity, provide mentoring opportunities, and codified expectations of behavior to create a safe and inclusive conference environment for all participants. Over the past 50 years, NASBR has not only supported and advanced research on bats but has grown as a society to reflect values of inclusion and support for all people working to advance research on bats.