Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Guidance

This meeting actively values and respects the diversity of the global pharmacology community: The organising committee recognises the diversity and inclusivity within the global pharmacology community is a strength.

To promote equity of opportunity for all members/participants, the meeting requires committee members and participants to adopt a broad understanding of diversity and viewpoints e.g. cultural and geographic differences, professional background, expertise, gender, sexual orientation and career stage.

The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion will be actively considered in developing scientific and social aspects of the meeting program. Please read the Society’s EDI statement for more information and full definitions.

The organising committee, and subcommittees thereof, aspire to be balanced and representative of the diverse global pharmacology community.
The organising committee will actively review content and demographics across entire meeting content to ensure EDI goals and principles are adhered to.
For all scientific sessions ie invited plenaries/keynotes, symposia and workshops, speakers will be representative of the diverse pharmacological community, e.g. no more than 60% of any gender.
The meeting will collect and report on EDI metrics as we develop the program and hold the meeting
All program submissions will require an EDI statement.

Guidance for scientific and meeting program development:

ASCEPT EDI policy includes the following relevant objectives:

integrate EDI into all aspects of the Society, including the operations of the Board, Executive Officer, and members, as well as the management of programs and events.
support and empower our members to be able to do their best and bring their whole selves to their engagement in our field.
support and empower a diversity of researchers, educators, students, professionals, stakeholders and affiliates to participate fully in our events, publications, and programs.
ensure that all members have equitable access to opportunities available through the initiatives of ASCEPT and are equally rewarded and recognised for their contributions.
be a Society of choice for pharmacologists and toxicologists from diverse communities and improve our ability to attract, develop, and retain a diverse membership.
lead by example, so that our members, collaborators, and other organisations within our sector can see the tangible benefits of diversity.

In terms of governance and leadership:

The ASCEPT Board will lead and model equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and practices to ensure the organisation is a representative, innovative, and socially and economically responsible organisation.
The ASCEPT Board will ensure that all activities, operations, policy development, and strategic management align with values of equity, diversity, and inclusion described in this document.
ASCEPT will have an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee that reports to the ASCEPT Board.
The ASCEPT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee will work with ASCEPT committees, fora, and program leaders to promote and implement provisions that reflect the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as described in this document.
The ASCEPT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee will work with ASCEPT Mentoring Program leaders to facilitate meaningful mentor/mentee pairings and events that increase support for individuals at different career levels and that values of equity, diversity, and inclusion are applied to this process.
The ASCEPT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee will propose a course of action in response to feedback and complaints.

In terms of prizes, awards, meetings, events:

Each Annual Scientific Meeting and ASCEPT-sponsored event will begin with a culturally appropriate welcome or acknowledgment, in recognition of the traditional custodians of the land and local protocols.
An equity, diversity, and inclusion event will be held at each Annual Scientific Meeting.
ASCEPT will apply the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion described in this document to prizes, awards, meetings, and events.
The ASCEPT Annual Scientific Meeting organising committees, Special Interest Group committees, Forum committees, and Symposia proposers will actively seek diverse candidates to participate in ASCEPT activities and events, including session chairs and speakers.
ASCEPT members will actively seek diverse candidates for Society awards, and encourage them to apply, nominate them, or mentor them, and include a statement of opportunity and performance evidence, where appropriate.
Childcare facilities and support for parents and carers at Annual Scientific Meetings and ASCEPT-sponsored events will be sought and provided wherever possible.
Dedicated spaces for religious/faith purposes at Annual Scientific Meetings and ASCEPT-sponsored events will be sought and provided wherever possible.
Alterative communication methods for programmed activities and events at Annual Scientific Meetings and ASCEPT-sponsored events will be sought and provided wherever possible.
Appropriate access to programmed activities and events at Annual Scientific Meetings and ASCEPT-sponsored events will be provided for those identifying with accessibility needs.