SNO 2020 diversity survey: defining demographics, racial biases, career success metrics and a path forward for the field of neuro-oncology

• Published in: Neuro-oncology (Charlottesville, Va.) Vol. 23; no. 11; pp. 1845 - 1858
• Main Authors: Chukwueke, Ugonma N, Vera, Elizabeth, Acquaye, Alvina, Hervey-Jumper, Shawn L, Odia, Yazmin, Klesse, Laura J, Dunbar, Erin, Sharma, Akanksha, Fonkem, Ekokobe, Thomas, Alissa A, Werbowetski-Ogilvie, Tamra E, Camelo-Piragua, Sandra, Gatson, Na Tosha N, de la Fuente, Macarena I, Armstrong, Terri S, Porter, Alyx B, Jackson, Sadhana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 02.11.2021
• Subjects: Survey Results; diversity; mentorship; equity; neuro-oncology; biases
• ISSN: 1522-8517; 1523-5866
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab172

Abstract Background Neuro-oncology has grown tremendously since 2010, marked by increasing society membership, specialized clinical expertise, and new journals. Yet, modest improvement in racial/ethnic diversity amongst clinical trial participants, researchers, and clinicians led us to conduct a survey to identify opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusiveness amongst neuro-oncology professionals. Methods In summer 2020, the Women and Diversity Committee of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) distributed an anonymous online survey to members and affiliates including the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology (ASNO), Society for Neuro-Oncology Latin America (SNOLA) and Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA). The survey captured personal and professional characteristics, biases, effective mentorship qualities, career service metrics, and suggested field/society changes. Results were analyzed by geography, profession, age, racial/ethnic, and sexual identity. Standard descriptive statistics characterized the study population. Results The 386 respondents were predominantly female (58%) with a median age range of 40–49 years (31%), White (65%), and SNO members (97%). Most worked in North America (77%) in a research profession (67%). A majority of White respondents reported never experiencing biases (64%), while the majority of non-White respondents reported unconscious biases/microaggressions, followed by a lack of/limited mentorship. Qualitative assessments showcased that personal/professional success metrics were linked to needed improvements in diversity and inclusion efforts within the neuro-oncology field. Conclusions The prevalence of racial/ethnic biases and poor mentorship rates amongst underrepresented groups in neuro-oncology is high and potentially linked to the limited diverse representation amongst members and affiliates. These findings warrant a swift implementation of equity and inclusion practices within the neuro-oncology field.