How to be a good ally

A sense of belonging in the workplace is integral to the happiness and productivity of scientists, yet many marginalised people still face prejudice, exclusion and bias. Good allies recognise unearned privileges and fight for equality. But if you don’t have experience of advocating for others, how can you start?

Be an active bystander

‘If you notice a colleague behaving in a way that’s biased, don’t just let it go,’ says Janet Stemwedel, a professor of philosophy at San Jose State University in the US. Before changing fields, Stemwedel worked in physical chemistry, where she noticed the biases facing women in Stem. Intervening when an uncomfortable interaction happens can make a huge difference, as the perpetrator is given the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, she says.

Chrissy Stachl, director of education, outreach, and diversity at the Center for Genetically Encoded Materials in Berkeley, California, agrees that being an active bystander is a powerful way to challenge the status quo. While studying her PhD in chemistry, Stachl became particularly interested in how her department could create a sense of belonging for non-white and non-male scientists such as herself.

Taking on the role of a predesignated ‘bias buddy’ – a friend who agrees to speak up for marginalised colleagues – can take the burden off. Stachl has also experienced unexpected allyship from seniors. ‘It is particularly impressive when it’s someone in a position of power that stands up for someone else,’ she says. Stachl’s research on building inclusivity in chemistry is linked on her website, chrissystachl.com.