Racism and harassment are common in field research — scientists are speaking up

Racism and harassment are common in field research — scientists are speaking up

Scientists call for safe field research for all

Researchers in fieldwork-intensive disciplines including ecology, geology and palaeontology are urging decision-makers to confront racism and harassment in the field. Scientists share stories of being threatened by white supremacists, catcalled by men or forced to work in countries where their sexuality is against the law. Field preparation is “often geared towards rural environments — how to protect yourself from nature”, says ecologist Deja Perkins. “They don’t really cover urban field safety — what to do if you’re getting harassed by the public.”

Nature | 6 min read