Researchers in the space of disaster science strive to address the repercussions of hazards. It is thus critical to prioritize research and researchers whose backgrounds align with the communities most vulnerable to these effects. However, underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and women continue to encounter exclusion from critical research funding due to systemic disparities and obstacles.
New research from the University of Washington delves into these experiences through 13 key informant interviews with participants who faced challenges accessing resources supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Many participants highlighted structural barriers, including a lack of diversity in funding review committees, which hindered access to NSF-backed assets. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of equity in research, with participants advocating for the initial acknowledgment of systemic barriers as the primary step toward identifying culturally appropriate and proactive solutions.