Data-driven selection of conference speakers based on scientific impact to achieve gender parity

Abstract

A lack of diversity limits progression of science. Thus, there is an urgent demand in science and the wider community for approaches that increase diversity, including gender diversity. We developed a novel, data-driven approach to conference speaker selection that identifies potential speakers based on scientific impact metrics that are frequently used by researchers, hiring committees, and funding bodies, to convincingly demonstrate parity in the quality of peer-reviewed science between men and women. The approach enables high quality conference programs without gender disparity, as well as generating a positive spiral for increased diversity more broadly in STEM.