Abstract: This talk will showcase the work of the Laboratory of (Bio)Diversity in the Anthropocene (BioDivA Lab), a collaborative laboratory based in Brazil that advocates for a more diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and healthier scientific community. The lab recognizes that scientific research is not a neutral activity but rather is influenced by societal norms and values. The lab's activities are informed by intersectionality, a social theory that recognizes the interconnections between different forms of social inequality, such as gender, race, and sexuality. One of the lab's key efforts is building a collaborative scientific network. The lab collaborates with researchers from different disciplines, regions, and countries to share knowledge and promote transdisciplinary research. This approach involves collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, fostering diverse perspectives and creative solutions to scientific questions. Finally, the BioDivA Lab uses science outreach as a tool for environmental conservation and diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The lab's outreach initiatives aim to inspire young people, especially those from underrepresented groups, to pursue science and participate in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. The lab works with local schools and communities to provide hands-on science education and promote awareness of environmental issues. These policies aim to create a supportive academic environment and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in science. The lab has successfully recruited and retained young scientists from underrepresented groups, which is critical for building a diverse and inclusive scientific community. Overall, the BioDivA Lab's transdisciplinary and intersectional approach to research, collaboration, and science outreach provides a model for building a more diverse, inclusive, and collaborative scientific community. The lab's efforts to promote inclusion and support young scientists from underrepresented groups are critical for addressing historical exclusion in science and creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
