Comment: Lack of racial diversity in UK plant science

In most STEM disciplines there is a racial disparity between practitioners and the broader population. This disparity is often greater in plant sciences than in biomedical-related disciplines. Here, Hubbard and colleagues take a close look at the demographics of plant scientists in the UK and provide some recommendations for action. Contributing factors could include where plant science is taught (not in London, and in highly selective institutions) as well as disparity in overall admissions in higher education between white and Black and Asian students. The authors also point to the fact that Black and Asian families are less likely to have gardens than white families, contributing to a lack of plant awareness amongst these students. The authors discuss the impacts racism and colonialism underlying botanical history, including that much of the labor done by enslaved people was crop cultivation and harvesting. They provide a thoughtful list of recommendations, including increased recruitment and representation, but also the need for teachers and mentors to be aware of how their actions can contribute to a hostile, “othering” climate. Please read it and think about how you can apply these approaches in your institution, teaching, mentoring and outreach efforts. (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Nature Plants 10.1038/s41477-024-01778-w