Parenting Through Academia as a SICB Member

Abstract

The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology has made tremendous improvements to their annual meeting in an effort to promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility to all scientists. However, within academia as an institution overall, many scientists face personal challenges that directly compete with the rigorous culture considered a requirement for success as an academic. Among these challenges is balancing parenthood with academic responsibilities, such as conference attendance and productivity. Herein we present a report of the survey administered to the members of SICB and from discussion held during the Parenting through Academia workshop at the 2020 annual meeting. We hope that this information brings to the Society an opportunity for open collegial discussion, mentorship, and community building, and sheds light on new strategies that could be undertaken to support not only parents, but SICB membership as a whole.