Encouraging Access and Broadening Participation in Research through a Culture of Care

This project aimed to develop strategies to broaden participation in research, particularly for underrepresented researchers by fostering a "culture of care." The initiative sought to reorient research practices to recognize both the systems and structures of institutions and the individuals within them. By prioritizing care, the project aimed to create more supportive environments for researchers, further ensuring their contributions to scientific endeavors. Ultimately, the initiative sought to enhance U.S. competitiveness and adaptability in addressing domestic and global challenges through a more inclusive research ecosystem.

Conference Partnership and Goals

The project was a collaboration between the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), the American Association of Geographers (AAG), and the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP). These organizations combined their expertise to catalyze scalable practices at minority-serving and emerging research institutions. The conference brought together three distinct groups: research enterprise professionals, higher education leaders, and early-career faculty. Participants were organized into triads, each containing one member from each group. The goal of these triads was to explore the experiences of researchers navigating the research enterprise and recommend practices that would strengthen the research workforce. Participants critically examined the ethical, political, economic, and emotional aspects of research to identify how practices can be made more supportive and accessible.

Ethos of Care Credential for Transformational Change

A significant outcome of the project was the development of the Ethos of Care Credential for Transformational Change. This online certification program formalizes training in care ethics. The credential consists of eight educational modules delivered through Canvas (an open-access learning management system) focusing on care ethics, methodologies, and their application across professional contexts. Participants who completed the modules and assessments received a certificate of formal training in care ethics. The credential was finalized ahead of schedule, with all materials available to participants by August 2024. The Ethos of Care Credential provides valuable professional development, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to incorporate care ethics into their work. Formalizing this education contributes to a more ethical and supportive environment both within research settings and broader professional contexts.

Successful Convening and Broader Conversations

In September 2024, the project successfully hosted a two-day convening with thirty-three participants from a wide range of institutions. The convening facilitated deep discussions on care ethics, sharing insights, and collaborating on actionable outcomes. The participants explored the opportunities and challenges of weaving care ethics across the research enterprise. Pre- and post-surveys were used to evaluate the convening's success, ensuring it met its goals of fostering self-efficacy, motivation, and collaboration, along with advancing care ethics.

Foundational Paper

Following the convening, all thirty-three participants co-created a foundational paper summarizing the key insights and recommendations from the project. The paper provides guidance on sustaining and applying care ethics in practical ways across various sectors, both short-term and long-term. Disseminated in November 2024, the paper serves as a critical resource for ongoing efforts in care ethics.

Enhancing the Research Enterprise Workforce

The conference aimed to enhance the research enterprise by encouraging careful reflection and collaboration. By rethinking research practices through the lens of care, participants identified structural and systemic barriers researchers face and discussed actionable solutions that could be adopted across institutions. The partnership between UCCS, AAG, and NORDP provided an ideal platform for these discussions. The resulting recommendations are expected to broaden the research enterprise, improve its ability to engage multiple voices, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global research landscape.

Broader Impacts and Sustainability

The project's broader impacts include fostering care within research practices and encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions. By prioritizing care, the project has created a sustainable framework for long-term improvements in research. The foundational paper developed from the convening captures insights and recommendations of participants, ensuring that these co-created efforts continue to influence research practices. The focus on the ethical and emotional dimensions of research has sparked broader conversations about how to structure research opportunities in more supportive and inclusive ways. These efforts are expected to lead to lasting changes in mentoring structures, funding accessibility, and institutional policies, better supporting researchers throughout their careers. 

Anticipated Future Actions

The project will focus on continued dissemination of the foundational paper and expanding the reach of the Ethos of Care Credential. Feedback from post-convening surveys will be used to refine the curriculum, and the project will explore continued collaboration and future partnerships with institutions and organizations to ensure the sustainability of the project. These steps will help solidify the project's legacy and contribute to the continued advancement of care ethics in science.

Last Modified: 01/31/2025
Modified by: Emily Skop