Supporting Diversity in Science through Social Networking

Authors

• Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, Ciencia Puerto RicoFollow
• Monica Feliu-Mojer, Harvard Medical School
• Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, Morehead State University
• Greetchen Diaz-Munoz, Morrison Research Center
• Marcos Lopez, Universidad del Valle
• Samuel L. Diaz-Munoz, University of California
• Yaihara Fortis-Santiago, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
• Jacqueline Flores-Otero, University of Puerto Rico
• David Craig, Stanford Hospital and Clinics
• Daniel A. Colon-Ramos, Yale University School of MedicineFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Guerrero-Medina G, Feliu´-Mo´ jer M, Gonza´lez-Espada W, Dı´az-Mun˜ oz G, Lo´ pez M, et al. (2013) Supporting Diversity in Science through Social Networking. PLoS Biol 11(12): e1001740. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001740

Comments

Copyright 2013 Guerrero-Medina et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License

Abstract

Science is disproportionately produced at research centers within a few select regions [1,2]. This distribution contributes to ‘‘brain drain’’—the cultural and geographical separation of researchers from their communities of origin [3]. In places lacking research centers, brain drain precludes achieving a critical mass of scientific expertise and the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Displaced scientists gradually become disconnected from their home communities and colleagues, presenting a challenge to maintaining research collaborations that could benefit their communities of origin. Insidiously, dispersion also presents socio-cognitive challenges to scientists who see themselves as underrepresented in the larger culture of science [4–6].